It was created by an order of the Revolutionary Military Council of the Southwestern Front on 16 July 1920 from the remnants of the 1st Cavalry Corps of Dmitry Zhloba, under the command of Oka Gorodovikov.

The army, part of the Southwestern Front, included the 2nd, 16th, 20th, and 21st Cavalry Divisions and fielded about 5,500 men upon formation.

It then fought in the Northern Taurida Operation during August, attacking the Russian Army bridgehead on the right bank of the Dnieper at Kakhovka.

The 3rd and 46th Rifle Divisions were attached to the army in October.

On 6 December 1920 the army was reorganised as the 2nd Cavalry Corps[2] in accordance with an order of 18 November.