Carried into Battle: The History of Horses and War

Chariot horses: The dawn of equine warfare

About 4000 years ago, the first spoke wheel chariots appeared, revolutionising warfare. These chariots carried troops into battle and served as mobile archery platforms. This innovation spread across Europe and Asia, establishing the horse’s vital role in battle. Known primarily as the transport means for Egyptian and Hittite armies, chariot warfare reached its zenith at the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BC. Here, thousands of chariots lined the battlefield as the Hittites met the Egyptians, who controlled regions of modern-day Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Palestine.

Leading the Egyptian forces was Ramses the Great, drawn into battle by his two cherished war horses, Victory in Thebes and Mut is Contented. Ramses’ rare mention of these chargers in his commemorative poem highlights how treasured they were, as he seldom praised the human soldiers alongside him. Archaeological remains show these horses averaged 13.2 hands high (hh) and bore resemblance to modern Arabian horses.[1][4]

Although the battle's outcome remains unclear—with both sides claiming victory—Victory in Thebes and Mut is Contented apparently survived and returned to Egypt. Ramses II was not alone in naming horses to instil fear; other renowned Egyptian chariot horses include "Trampler of Foreign Countries" and "Amun gives Might."

Roman cavalry: The rise of the mounted soldier

As chariot horses were relatively small, riding was long considered less dignified. However, cavalry began to assume importance during Ancient Greece, becoming part of the Roman Republic’s armies. Roman cavalry horses were generally modest in stature, around 13 to 14 hh, with some possibly reaching 15 hh. Today, enthusiasts often liken Roman mounts to breeds such as the Welsh Cob, Dartmoor, and Fell ponies, well-suited to climates like Britain’s. Some historians believe the Arabian breed was used, especially for scouts and rapid troops.

Horses enjoyed imperial favour; the eccentric Emperor Caligula proposed appointing his horse Incitatus as consul, highlighting the creature’s pampered status. Descriptions claim Incitatus lived in a marble stable with ivory mangers, slept on purple blankets, wore a collar studded with gems, and was fed gold-flaked oats. Though Caligula’s intent remains uncertain, it emphasises the esteem medieval rulers held for their equine companions.[2]

Medieval horses: Knights and their mighty chargers

The medieval period is often regarded as the pinnacle of equine warfare. Although precise breeds are uncertain, recorded horse types used include:

• Destrier: Tall, majestic horses famed for great strength, typically associated with knights’ mounts.
• Courser: Lighter, fast, and strong horses valued for battle agility.
• Honny: Small, agile Irish horses used for skirmishes.
• Rouncey: Versatile horses for squires and general purposes, sometimes preferred over Destriers for speed.

Though it was believed that armour-clad knights required mounts over 18 hh, historical research including armour fitting from the Royal Armoury in Leeds indicates a smaller horse around 15 hh was more typical. Henry VIII’s stables also included Barbary horses, smaller mounts shaping the lineage of modern thoroughbreds.[3]

The Charge of the Light Brigade: Courage and tragedy

One of the most famous cavalry actions involved the brave of 600 Light Brigade horses and men charging directly into cannon fire during the Crimean War. Alfred Lord Tennyson immortalised their futile and heroic charge in poetry:

Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
While horse and hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro' the jaws of Death
Back from the mouth of Hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of six hundred.

A misunderstood order sent this Light cavalry against superior artillery. While they reached and temporarily displaced the guns, the unit had to retreat under heavy fire, sustaining heavy losses. This event marked one of the last mass cavalry charges in modern warfare, signalling the end of horse and rider fighting side by side on the frontlines.[4]

Horses in the World Wars: The twilight of mounted warfare

The First World War marked the decline of mounted cavalry in combat due to machine guns, trenches, barbed wire, and tanks. Nevertheless, over a million horses were sent to the front lines with the British Army alone, primarily used for transport, scouting, and communication. Their value was such that by 1917, the loss of a horse was considered more tactically detrimental than that of a soldier. Unfortunately, out of these, only about 62,000 returned safely. Germany’s dwindling horse numbers also contributed to their eventual defeat.[5]

In the Second World War, most cavalry units had mechanised, though German forces still relied heavily on horses due to petroleum shortages. The toll was horrendous — in just two months over a harsh winter on the Eastern Front, the Germans lost nearly 180,000 horses. Overall, 2.75 million horses and mules served the German army as mobile engines moving equipment, supplies, and troops.[5]

Today, horses remain part of some armed forces in ceremonial roles. The British Army, for instance, had 501 horses in 2012, complementing 334 tanks. While modern warfare relies overwhelmingly on mechanised vehicles, these noble animals’ historical impact endures, shaping societies and military history profoundly.

Throughout history, horses have proved indispensable partners in war, offering physical power, tactical versatility, and morale-boosting presence. Their contributions, from ancient chariots to modern transports, deserve lasting appreciation and respectful remembrance.