Liao Cavalry System

Type Object Region Khitan Time c. 907–1125

The Liao (Khitan) Empire built its core military strength on steppe cavalry, combining light cavalry reconnaissance, heavy-armored charges, and the p…

Timeline

c. 930–1000Supreme Capital, Linhuang Prefecture · Supreme Capital CircuitThe Liao emperors maintained directly controlled cavalry under the ordo (palace guard), divided among twelve palace guards, each with armored horses and pasture lands; when the emperor campaigned in person, tens of thousands of elite cavalry could be assembled rapidly.
1001–1010Chanzhou (Chanyuan) front · ChanzhouDuring the reign of Emperor Shengzong of Liao, Liao cavalry frequently raided southward; in 1004 the main force advanced to Chanzhou. After the Chanyuan Treaty both sides halted hostilities and traded, but Liao cavalry remained stationed at key points south of the desert, maintaining strategic deterrence against the Song.
c. 1010–1100Central Capital, Dading Prefecture · Central Capital CircuitThe Liao stationed imperial guards at the five capitals and levied tribal cavalry, forming a mixed organization of central palace guard cavalry, local tribal cavalry, and Han infantry, suited to multi-front warfare against the Song and Western Xia.

Sources

辽史·兵卫志 — 脱脱等 (1344)
The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 6: Alien Regimes and Border States, 907–1368 — Herbert Franke, Denis Twitchett (1994)