How Did the Hussars Turn Ordinary Horses into MONSTERS? 

Have you ever wondered how the Polish Winged Hussars turned ordinary horses into true war beasts? In this video, I will surprise you with secrets of warhorse training, kept hidden for years, and envied by the whole world. You will discover techniques and exercises that were our military secret.
The Polish Hussars owed their successes not only to the skills of the warriors but also to their extraordinary horses. At that time, these horses had no equal. They were like Poland's ace up the sleeve, allowing the hussars to crush their enemies on the battlefield. But what made these horses so special?
What were the selection criteria, and how were these horses trained to become unparalleled partners in battle?
Hussar horses were carefully selected, which was crucial for their later achievements in battle. Key factors included not only their origin but also the physical characteristics and temperament of the animals. The Hussars primarily used oriental horses, such as Arabian, Turkmen, or Persian horses, known for their endurance, speed, and agility. Another important factor was their resistance to harsh climate conditions, which was essential for campaigns across various terrains in Europe.
Hussars paid particular attention to the horse's temperament.
The horses had to be brave, able to remain calm under battle conditions, and at the same time, responsive to training. It was essential that the horse worked well with the rider, responding to signals almost instinctively.
Training hussar horses was extremely demanding, and the goal was to create an animal that could carry heavy armor and a rider for long hours while maintaining full readiness for battle.
Here are some specific training techniques that will help you better understand how the hussars turned ordinary horses into true war monsters.
Weight training: Horses were gradually exposed to increasing loads (e.g., sandbags) to get used to carrying armor and a fully equipped rider.
Agility exercises: The horses were trained on special obstacle courses, which included sharp turns, changes in pace, and jumps over barriers - key skills in battle.
Noise desensitization: Daily training included exposing horses to various noise sources, such as cannon and musket shots, to familiarize them with the sounds of battle.
Training in the presence of other animals: Horses were sometimes trained around wild animals, like wolves or bears, to get them used to the presence of dangerous creatures on the battlefield.
Trust building: Riders spent a lot of time building relationships with their horses through shared exercises, grooming, and regular training, which enhanced cooperation and effectiveness in combat.
The horses underwent regular exercises aimed at developing their strength and endurance. Initially, they were trained by running with weights, gradually increasing the load carried by the horse. Over time, the horses also learned to wear full armor, which was crucial to their effectiveness in battle.
Developing speed and agility was also a key aspect of training. The Hussars were famous for their lightning-fast charges, during which the horses had to reach maximum speed in a short time. Therefore, the horses were regularly trained on special tracks, where they practiced sprints, sharp turns, and galloping in full armor.
Equally important was the mental training of the horses. On the battlefield, they had to withstand chaos, noise, and pressure. To achieve this, hussar horses were regularly desensitized to the sounds of battle, such as cannon fire, warrior shouts, or the clamor of combat.
Horses were also taught to remain calm in stressful situations. This training included exercises around fire, smoke, and other stimuli that could scare an untrained animal. Thanks to this, hussar horses could maintain full concentration during battle, which often decided the outcome.
Hussars also worked to build a strong bond with their horses, which was crucial in battle. Each hussar spent a lot of time with their horse, teaching it to respond to subtle signals. This trust between rider and horse was the foundation of the hussars’ effectiveness in combat.
Hussar horses were trained to perform complex maneuvers, enabling the hussars to conduct effective charges and evasions. One of the most important maneuvers was the so-called "clearing the way," a skill that allowed the horses to quickly make space for other riders during a charge. The horses were taught to change speed and direction to not only avoid enemy strikes but also facilitate effective attacks.
Another crucial maneuver was the rapid change of direction, which allowed the hussars to surprise the enemy and exploit gaps in their lines. This training required not only excellent physical condition but also the horse's quick response to the rider's commands.