After the ancient Japanese military system based on the Ritsuryo codes was replaced with the Kokuga forces system (provincial forces system), the term "Japanese cavalry" was used to refer to troops composed of units of mounted warriors, which amounted to a major military force, and their attendants (known as Jusotsu [officer's servants] or Buke hokonin [servants to samurai families] depending on the times).
日本の騎馬隊は古代日本の軍制が律令制に基づく軍団(古代日本)から国衙軍制へ転換して以降、軍事力の中心となった騎馬武者とその供(時代により従卒、武家奉公人と言われる)を基本単位として構成された部隊を指していた。