The Queen's Riders, often referred to simply as "the Riders," is a cavalry organization in service to the Tortallan Crown. It was established by Queen Thayet to defend the less accessible places of Tortall, enforce the law, and teach defense to locals. The Queen's Riders is considered a fighting force of irregulars. It accepts both men and women of any social class into its ranks and uses ponies as mounts. The Riders often works in conjunction with the King's Own, knights, and the army. Their smaller fighting unit size and use of ponies allows them to act as scouts and to cover more difficult terrain. Their headquarters is located in the capital city, Corus, between the palace and the Royal Forest.