When history entered the Warring States period, the war has changed from the rigid frontal war of chariot tactics in the early years to a more flexible way of fighting. The cavalry appeared as an independent unit. At that time, Qin, Zhao and other big countries established cavalry units, all of which were called "thousands of chariots ride, ten thousand horses ride". The combat of the army gradually changed from riding to riding.

The biggest change was made by Zhao first. Zhao is located in the north, adjacent to Loufan, Xiongnu and other ethnic minorities, and deeply disturbed by them. However, the traditional chariot infantry is very unfavorable to the flexible and fast Hu people cavalry.

In order to change this situation, Qiang Bing, a rich country, and King Wuling of Zhao carried out the reform of "Khufu riding and shooting" at home. He declared that "now I will shoot Khufu on horseback to teach the people", reducing the number of chariots in the army and increasing the number of cavalry; It is required to change the traditional wide robe and big sleeve clothing of Han nationality into the tight clothing of Hu people, which is convenient for riding and shooting.

Since then, the status of cavalry in the Central Plains countries has gradually improved and become a major force in the army. Because of this powerful cavalry, Zhao became a powerful country that could compete with Qin at the end of the Warring States Period.

Extended data

Cavalry is the unit and arms that ride horses to perform tasks in the army. You can fight on horseback and on foot. Usually responsible for frontal assault, roundabout encirclement, pursuit, attack and other tasks. Its action is light and agile, and it is less affected by topography and meteorology. Historically, cavalry was once the main combat arm of the army.

Abroad, during the 1930s war of 17, 40% to 50% of the troops of the participating countries were cavalry. During the First World War, Germany, France and Russia all had cavalry army groups. During World War II, the Soviet Army had 17 cavalry units and more than 80 cavalry divisions.

The heyday of cavalry in the history of China was the Yuan Dynasty, and cavalry units were mainly equipped with bows and arrows, sabres, javelins and tomahawks. During the Republic of China, there were more than 20 divisions of cavalry at most. From the establishment of the first cavalry unit of China People's Liberation Army in April 1928 to the later period of the Liberation War, the whole army developed to 12 cavalry division, and only a few cavalry units remained in the border guards.

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