Small Horses in Warfare

"Small Horses in Warfare" by Sir Walter Gilbey is a historical exploration from the early 1900s examining the strategic benefits of using small horses in war, especially for tasks like light cavalry and mounted infantry. The narrative reviews numerous military operations, focusing on how these smaller breeds showed greater endurance and toughness in tough places than bigger English horses. The author uses observations from conflicts like the Crimean War and the Boer War to showcase how well small horses performed in challenging situations. Gilbey offers examples of Arab horses in the Soudan and ponies in places such as Australia and America, emphasizing how they could travel long distances and survive on limited food. Ultimately, the book argues that small horses suitable for military applications should be prioritized through breeding since their greater vitality, strength, and adaptability can be superior to the larger breeds often favored for comfort.