Napoleon created his own Cossacks to counter the Russians

The Imperial Guard scouts are light cavalry regiments created by Napoleon I in December 1813. This decision follows the 1812 Russian campaign, during which the French cavalry had exhausted itself chasing the Cossacks who were constantly slipping away. These French units then participated in the 1814 French campaign, distinguishing themselves notably at Craonne under the orders of Colonel Testot-Ferry.