According to this wikipedia page "Croats" (called like that as initial forces were from the Military Frontier area, but soon the ethnic composition was from all over the place) were a light cavalry irregular unit - in essence hussars - used initially by Catholic forces during 30 Years War, before similar units were adopted by all sides.

Apparently they weren't effective that much in battles, but were used with great effect in scouting, skirmishing, raiding and other auxiliary tasks, and got a reputation for ferocious pillaging and looting.

What I am wondering is how their role and influence managed to make such an impression? The description seems to be a classic light cavalry arm of the army, which is why it baffles me that they are so specially mentioned, and given a particular name? Has that light cavalry tactic been 'forgotten' or not used in Western/Central Europe at the time? Has the experience of fighting on the Military Frontier brought some special skills/knowledge that other nations didn't have? Was their anything particular about the troops or the equipment or organization that was different?