POTD: British Cavalry Takes SA80 Back to the Saddle
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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Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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You see more from a horse, you are higher and don't have to worry about exactly where to put your feet. The horse may spot hostiles before you do. You can't hear crap over the saddle creaking and the horse farting and whinnying. They are a huge soft target in a fight, but they do make a breastwork after they are cut down.
Looking at the video coming out of Ukraine, there’s a ton of deadfall on the ground. ATV’s vehicles, and even tanks stick to the roads. A horse can get around all that. There’s a lot of downsides but it’s cool to see a modern army experimenting.