Bryce, they have pretty much answered about how cavalry fought, and I cannot add much more. I do know that for the most part in Northern Arkansas the engagements were primarily one, or both opposing forces would dismount to fight much like mounted Infantry or Dragoon’s. I have read of accounts of Federal Cavalry fighting out of outposts they referred to as Hay Stations. The Skirmish near Smithville Arkansas on June 17 1862, was about as lopsided against the confederate company, as three companies of well armed and trained Illinois Cavalry on horseback, and dismounted took the Confederates out quickly, as even though in buildings they were dismounted and could not get to horses. Once they got to horses they could not fight as their powder became wet. It appeared to be effective as the 1st Nebraska, 4th Arkansas and 11th Missouri used similar tactics at Spring River and Morgan’s Mill.