Hobelar

A hobelar was a type of light cavalryman in medieval England and Ireland. They were typically mounted on smaller, agile horses, known as hobbies, and were particularly suited for scouting, raiding, and skirmishing. Unlike heavily armored knights, hobelars wore lighter armor, allowing for greater speed and maneuverability.

Hobelars were prominent from the 13th to the 15th centuries. Their effectiveness lay in their ability to rapidly deploy and harass enemy forces, disrupting supply lines and providing intelligence. They were also valuable in difficult terrain where heavier cavalry would struggle.

The hobelar's equipment typically included a helmet, a mail shirt or brigandine, and a sword or lance. They often carried javelins or darts for ranged attacks. Their horses were usually smaller than those ridden by knights, enabling them to traverse rough terrain more easily.

The importance of hobelars grew during the Anglo-Scottish wars and in the English involvement in Ireland, where their speed and agility proved highly effective against the lightly armored Scottish and Irish warriors. They played a significant role in various battles and campaigns, contributing to the overall military strategy of the English forces.

The term "hobelar" eventually fell out of use as military tactics and technology evolved, but their contribution to medieval warfare is recognized as a significant development in light cavalry.