Chevau-léger

Chevau-léger, meaning "light horse" in French, was a type of cavalry unit used historically, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. These soldiers rode smaller, faster horses and were trained for quick mobility, reconnaissance, and skirmishing rather than heavy combat. Their role was to gather intelligence, disrupt enemy formations, and provide rapid response on the battlefield. Chevau-léger units valued agility and speed, making them versatile for various tactical operations. Today, the term is less common, but historically, they played an important role in cavalry tactics by complementing heavier, more heavily armed troops.