Final answer:
Cavalry riders on long journeys carried dried meat and curd for sustenance, had access to several horses to maintain speed and mobility, and were equipped with the skills to build and adapt with materials found along their path. The role and equipment of cavalry evolved with technological advances, especially after the introduction of gunpowder and firearms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cavalry riders had to be prepared for long journeys without the support of a supply train, relying instead on items carried with them. These items included strips of dried meat and curd stored in saddlebags, which provided a quick source of sustenance that could be consumed while on the move. Cavalrymen were often equipped with multiple horses, allowing them to switch mounts and cover greater distances without overly fatiguing any single horse. The horses themselves served several purposes: they grazed the land, provided milk, and in dire situations could even be tapped for blood to drink or used as a source of meat.
Mongol warriors demonstrated their adaptability by using materials found on-site to build necessary structures like bridges or assault weapons. Additionally, their exceptional horsemanship and ability to fire arrows while galloping at high speeds were critical skills honed from an early age. However, as time progressed and the advent of gunpowder changed the face of warfare, the traditional mounted warrior began to see a decline.
The introduction of firearms negated many of the advantages cavalry once held, as guns could effectively target riders and their horses from a distance. Despite these changes, the legacy of cavalry and the tactics they used endure in historical records, such as the Bayeux Tapestry, depicting the armor and weapons carried by cavalrymen in battle.