What is the proper way to use cavalry in this game?

[PegLegFatty]

 

*Disclaimer:  I know you don't use cavalry in this game like you do in Total War Games but I still have yet to figure out the best way to use them. 

I know there are basically two kinds of cavalry, Melee horse bros and mobile skirmisher type horse bros.  However I can never seem to use them correctly.  In this battle I had my cavalry equipped with carbines.  Can you guys give me some feedback on how you use cavalry effectively?

How not use cavalry AKA My attempt at the Union Battle River Crossing

[Steele OooOoOOoOOOooooOOOO]

screen your main armys flanks and wait for routing enemy units or support during a charge on good ground ,cavvs cav or openened charge vs entrenched units = insta poof.Cavalry are a support army and shock army ,and a flank or feighnt attack unit to harass. pressing them into Infantry units never a good idea