The commander of the “Storm” unit of Russia’s 9th Brigade of the 51st Army, with the callsign “Khan” is reportedly turning to the use of horse-mounted assault teams – the latest example of Moscow’s forces seeking low-tech solutions to the ever-increasing threat from Ukrainian drones, landmines, and precision artillery strikes.
The “Z-milblogger” Semyon Pegov author of the “Wargonzo” Telegram channel wrote on Tuesday that Khan has started training his assault teams, located somewhere in the occupied Donetsk region, in the use of “horse-powered” tactics using a video clip to illustrate his report.
Pegov said that the training includes absolute beginners as well as experienced horsemen – and it’s not just the riders who are being trained. He said that training exercises include exposing the mounts to gunfire and explosions – to ensure that the horses do not panic when faced with live firing on the battlefield.
Wargonzo said he had discussed the plans with one of Khan’s fighters using the call sign “Gypsy” who said he had ridden horses since childhood, saying that as a “real Gypsy,” horses were part of his culture and blood. He says his horse “Baby” is perfectly trained. While obedient and calm when waiting to deploy, once the attack starts it charges forward without fear once the bullets start to fly, he said.
According to the report, the horses carry two-man teams – the rider and his “shooter,” who has to be able to accurately aim fire as he is shaken with the horse at full gallop. Pegov says this modern version of the centuries-old cavalry tactic is likely to become an effective weapon on the modern battlefield:
“Horses see well at night, don’t need roads to accelerate on the final approach, and their instincts can, reportedly, help them avoid mines.”
He finished his report by saying: “I am sure we will soon witness the historic return of the Russian cavalry to the ranks. Let’s wish Khan and his modern ‘horde’ luck – with the expectation of some epic footage from the front.”
The move to horses for Storm units is just the latest in Russia’s increased use of horses and donkeys to move personnel and supplies in areas where the topography makes the use of wheeled vehicles difficult – according to social media reports earlier this year.
This solution is not as radical as it first appears, it has parallels elsewhere: Poland uses horseback patrols in the swamps along its border with Belarus. Several countries, including Germany, China and the US, utilize mounted units to patrol, carry out reconnaissance, or for the deployment of special operations troops in remote or rugged areas.