Modern armies have drones, armored vehicles and advanced surveillance systems. The British Army is also exploring what a much older platform can still offer: a horse. Soldiers from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment recently took part in a mounted combat capability experiment on the Barossa training area in Sandhurst, bringing military working horses into challenging terrain alongside soldiers carrying their SA80 rifles.
The exercise explored how horses could support reconnaissance, patrol and security tasks in environments where vehicles may be restricted. Although horses are hardly the first thing that comes to mind when discussing modern military mobility, they offer a different way to move through terrain that might be difficult for conventional vehicles to negotiate.
The experiment also looked beyond the Household Cavalry's familiar ceremonial duties. The Regiment is perhaps best known to the public for its mounted presence at royal ceremonies in London, with soldiers in polished helmets and distinctive uniforms. Training like this highlights another side of the unit, where horsemanship is combined with military field skills.
In difficult terrain, would you rather rely on a horse, an ATV or a small tactical vehicle?
In fact, in many cases I think they would work a lot better than fuel-powered vehicles. This is said by me, who probably likes horses less than I do the SA80.
Photographer: Cpl Jamie Ayling Royal Armoured Corps.
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