page_title: Heavy cavalry
hierarchical_section_title: Heavy cavalry
caption_attribution_description: English: Ottoman or Mamluk_horseman_circa_1550_front.
context_page_description: Heavy cavalry was a class of cavalry intended to deliver a battlefield charge and also to act as a tactical reserve; they are also often termed 'shock cavalry'. Although their equipment differed greatly depending on the region and historical period, heavy cavalry were generally mounted on large powerful warhorses, and were often equipped with some form of body armor as well as either swords, lances, battle axes, or war hammers. They were normally distinct from light cavalry, who were intended for use in scouting, screening, and skirmishing the enemy.
context_section_description: Heavy cavalry was a class of cavalry intended to deliver a battlefield charge and also to act as a tactical reserve; they are also often termed 'shock cavalry'.  Although their equipment differed greatly depending on the region and historical period, heavy cavalry were generally mounted on large powerful warhorses, and were often equipped with some form of body armor as well as either swords, lances, battle axes, or war hammers. They were normally distinct from light cavalry, who were intended for use in scouting, screening, and skirmishing the enemy.
caption: Ottoman Sipahi heavy cavalry, c. 1550
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