sentences:  On 2 February 1643, he became major-general of dragoons, in succession to Sir Arthur Aston.In the early part of the civil war, dragoons formed a substantial part of the mounted arm, although they were merely infantrymen set on ponies and other small horses initially regarded as unsuitable for cavalry troopers.As the war progressed, however, standards dropped and all riding horses went to the cavalry, irrespective of size or condition.