Contrary to the expectations of many modern readers, cavalry was usually not exposed to repeated firing once it started its attack in earnest. Many authorities felt, in fact, that the infantry were able only to deliver one effective fire. Given the speed of the horses, the cavalry could cover the effective range of the musket in about a minute. Fortunately, a number of cavalrymen attempted to calculate the speed of the horses, and some of these observations have been handed down to us. An estimate of a horse's speed and the average length of each stride for each of the common is provided in the accompanying charts.

The infantry could, in theory, deliver fire several times during the time it took for the enemy cavalry to close. However, to do so meant that the first, and most effective fire, had to be delivered while the cavalry was still at long range. This first fire would produce few casualties, as would any subsequent fire at shorter ranges, being hurried and less well aimed.

Length of Stride for Gait Used
Speed	Length of Stride	Strides/Minute
Walk	25cm	13-124
Trot	120cm	164-180
Gallop	390cm	390

Cavalry Speed Per Minute (m=meters/minute : p=paces/minute : y=yards/minute)
Speed	Decker	Rittenberg	Vergnaud	Gassendi	Lallemand
Walk	120p	100p	100m	-	-
Trot	240p	180-200p	-	200m	200m
Gallop	-	-	400m	400m	400y
Long Strides	-	480p	250p	-	-
At the Charge	-	600p	300p	-	-

More of With Musket, Cannon and Sword

Introduction
Battle of Lodi (May 10, 1796)
Battle of Sedyman (October 7, 1798)
Theoretical vs. Practical Musketry
Speed of a Cavalry Attack
Concentrating Counter-Battery Fire

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