Page "Medieval warfare" Paragraph 22

Light cavalry consisted usually of lighter armed and armoured men, who could have lances, javelins or missile weapons, such as bows or crossbows.

In the Dark Ages and much of the Middle Ages light cavalry usually consisted of wealthy commoners.

Later in the Middle Ages light cavalry would also include sergeants who were men who had trained as knights but could not afford the costs associated with the title.

Light cavalry were used as scouts, skirmishers or outflankers.

Many countries developed their own styles of light cavalry, such as Hungarian mounted archers, Spanish jinetes, Italian and German mounted crossbowmen and English currours.