Small Horses in Warfare

by Walter Gilbey

"Small Horses in Warfare" by Sir Walter Gilbey is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book discusses the advantages and suitability of small horses in military contexts, particularly for light cavalry and mounted infantry. It explores various campaigns, emphasizing the endurance and resilience of these smaller breeds in harsh environments compared to larger English horses. In the book, Gilbey provides detailed observations from various historical military campaigns, such as the Crimean War and the Boer War, highlighting the effectiveness of small horses under difficult conditions. He presents numerous examples, including accounts of Arab horses in the Soudan and ponies in Australia and America, demonstrating their capacity for long-distance travel and ability to thrive on inadequate food. The author argues for the importance of nurturing and breeding small horses suited for military use, advocating for a return to the qualities found in native pony breeds, which possess greater stamina, robustness, and adaptability than their larger counterparts bred for luxury in more comfortable settings.