Horses in The Napoleonic Wars - Horse Types and Breeds

Horse Types and Breeds

The war horse was traditionally of moderate size for both officers and troopers, since heavy horses were logistically difficult to maintain, and less adaptable to varied terrains. Most armies at the time preferred cavalry horses to be 15.2 hh and 450–500 kg, although cuirassiers frequently had heavier horses. Napoleon's Imperial Guard dragoons' mounts had an average size of 15hh. Lighter horses were restricted to scouting and raiding. Cavalry horses were generally obtained at 5 years, from 10 or 12 years service (barring loss) could be expected. Mares and geldings were used in preference to the less-easily managed stallions. Losses of 30–40% were common during a campaign, due to conditions of the march as well as enemy action. As regimental structures developed, many units selected horses of uniform type, some, such as the Royal Scots Greys even specifying colour. Trumpeters, too, often rode distinctive horses, so they might stand out. Regional armies developed preferences, such as the British 15 hh hunters, the Germans' hanoverians, and the Cossacks' steppe ponies, but the low supplies available in wartime resulted in horses of all types being used.