In the era of the Napoleonic Wars, selected units of heavy cavalry existed in many Western European armies. In France, the counterpart of such formations, along with the equestrian grenadiers of the imperial guard, were the famous Carabinerine regiments. In 1812 they were part of the "Great Army" of Napoleon, who invaded Russia. Glorious military traditions and rich experience gained by the Carabinieri in numerous campaigns and battles, made them formidable opponents.
