Horseback Combat: The Art of Warfare on Horseback Through the Ages

Horseback combat has been pivotal in military history, with techniques and strategies evolving over centuries.

Horseback combat has been pivotal in military history, with techniques and strategies evolving over centuries. From the swift and agile light cavalry of the Mongols to the imposing heavy cavalry of medieval Europe, the use of horses in battle has been a cornerstone of warfare.

(photo from the Internet, I did not find who is the author)

Attention! All videos except the first one contain heavy battle scenes, and I ask everyone NOT TO WATCH them if it might affect you.

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In these shots, you see the attack of modern French cavalry. Please note that at first, the horses walk at a walk, then a little faster for a while, and only at the end — a gallop. The view from an airplane shows how difficult it is to maintain formation over long distances — and formation, the impact of the mass, is the main force of such an attack.

The Light Cavalry of the Steppe Dwellers

The nomadic warriors of the steppe, including the famed Mongols, exemplified light cavalry at its peak. Each rider typically managed three to four horses—one to ride, others to carry supplies, and a fresh warhorse for battle. This practice ensured mobility and endurance, giving them an edge over less adaptable forces.

The Mongols were master archers, equipped with two quivers holding 30 arrows each. In the heat of battle, they could release 12–16 arrows per minute, a feat that surpassed even the renowned English longbowmen, who shot at a rate of 10–12 arrows per minute. A unique aspect of Mongol archery was their ability to fire precisely when all four legs of their horse were off the ground, maximizing accuracy and stability.

The primary roles of the light cavalry included reconnaissance, harrying enemy forces, and relentless pursuit of retreating foes. Their campaigns were meticulously timed, launching in the spring when grass and water were abundant, ensuring the horses remained healthy and well-fed. The scale of these campaigns was staggering; Tamerlane's hordes could number up to 200,000 horsemen, accompanied by countless spare horses, baggage trains, and support personnel.

However, such reliance on grasslands created vulnerabilities. For example, Russian regiments would sometimes launch surprise attacks before the spring grass emerged, exploiting the Mongols’ logistical dependency on forage.

Archery Accuracy in Battle

In combat, the practical accuracy of archers with both bows and early firearms ranged from 60 to 77 yards (ca. 70 meters). However, the capabilities of skilled archers far exceeded this range. The best archers were known to shoot as far as 1,000 yards (ca. 914 meters), with historical evidence of shots reaching 850 yards (ca. 777 meters) and around 500 yards (ca. 457 meters).

One notable story from Mongol history highlights the extraordinary skill of their archers. One of Genghis Khan’s sons once killed a deer on a bet from over 500 yards (ca. 457 meters). Another story recounts Genghis Khan testing another son’s archery prowess. The Khan joked, “They say you are an excellent archer. Prove it to us!” The son asked, “What do you want me to hit?” Genghis Khan pointed to a bird overhead. “Which part should I hit?” the son asked. “Hit it in the eye,” the Khan replied. The son fired, and when the bird fell, the arrow was lodged near its eye.

While such tales may be embellished, they reflect the reputation of Mongol archers for extraordinary accuracy, achieved through rigorous training and superior equipment.

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Attack of heavy cavalry (film The Heart of Parma)

Heavy Cavalry and the Shock of a Ramming Charge

In contrast to the mobility of light cavalry, heavy cavalry specialized in devastating frontal assaults. Alexander the Great revolutionized this form of warfare by introducing tightly closed formations of spearmen. These formations used long spears designed to break upon impact, preventing the rider from being unseated during a charge.

The effectiveness of a cavalry charge lay in its ability to smash through infantry lines. A well-executed charge could topple as many as 8–10 rows of infantry. However, the sheer power of such an attack required careful timing and preparation. Horses began their approach at a walk, transitioned to a trot, and only galloped for the final 220 yards (ca. 200 meters). Galloping for longer distances was unsustainable, as even the best-trained horses could only maintain a gallop for 1.2–1.8 miles.

The physical demands of a charge meant that it was often a one-time maneuver in a battle, with a rare second charge. Additionally, horses—though powerful—were not suicidal. Even trained warhorses would hesitate to encounter sharp obstacles like spears or bayonets. Therefore, defensive formations with extended spears or pikes were highly effective against cavalry charges.

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The way to combat the attack

The Horses and Riders of Medieval Warfare

Mongol horses were considered large for their breed, standing around 4.3 feet (ca. 130 centimeters) at the withers. In contrast, modern horses average between 5 feet 3 inches and 5 feet 5 inches. Medieval destriers, the warhorses of European knights, were shorter than modern horses but far sturdier. A typical destrier weighed around 1,200 pounds (ca. 544 kilogram) and was bred for strength and endurance on the battlefield.

A knight in full armor carried approximately 88 pounds (ca. 40 kg) of weapons and armor, + his own weight, a significant load for any horse. Given that a horse can carry only 15% of its weight, this necessitated powerful mounts capable of supporting both the rider and their equipment. The knight's weight and the destrier's shorter, stocky build made them formidable in close combat.

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The emotional impact of The Polish hussars

Horseback combat was a blend of strategy, skill, and adaptability. While the light cavalry of the steppe relied on speed, mobility, and precision, the heavy cavalry of medieval Europe emphasized brute force and the shock of a charge. The extraordinary accuracy of Mongol archers and the destructive power of European knights underscored the critical role of horseback warfare in shaping history. Despite their differences, both forms of cavalry showcased the enduring partnership between humans and horses in the theater of war.