It is well documented that Texans would rather ride than walk. That explains why during the course of the war, the state mobilized 61 regiments, 39 battalions, and a few independent companies of cavalry. This included not only CSA units, but also State Troops and frontier units. They fought in every theater with the exception of Virginia. For the most part, they were considered light cavalry, mounted riflemen, or partisan rangers. Few Texas regiments carried sabers for close fighting, but preferred shotguns, revolvers, and Bowie knives. Texas had a distinct advantage at the beginning of the war. Many of their officers and enlisted men had years of experience fighting from horseback on the frontier and southern border.

Most accounts indicate the usual cavalry tactic by Texans was to ride to the point of attack, dismount, and fight on foot. Another effective tactic was to attack by charging in mass as fast as their horses would carry them, pull up a few yards short of the enemy line, discharge a volley from their shotguns or rifles, and during the ensuing confusion charge in among the enemy using multiple revolvers.

In my opinion, a good source for this topic is "Riding For The Lone Star - Frontier Cavalry and the Texas Way of War, 1822 - 1865" by Nathan Jennings.