This bow-armed cavalry could loose their arrows as they advanced in the early stages of their charge with the intention of weakening and demoralizing the enemy formation prior to the moment of shock, possibly in shower shooting style. While the enemy was usually capable of countering with equal measures of ranged combat, the horse archers often wore protective equipment, so the changeover from light to heavy cavalry is not always clear and it seems in cases they formed the second charging rank.
This bow-armed mounted troops could release their arrows as they advanced in the early stages of their assault with the intention of weakening and demoralizing the enemy formation prior to the moment of impact, possibly in a rapid-fire style. While the enemy was usually capable of countering with equal measures of ranged combat, the horse archers often wore protective gear, so the transition from light to heavy cavalry is not always clear and it seems in cases they formed the second charging rank.