Their mounts were able to walk great distances, bearing loads weighing over 220lbs (100kg) – the rider, his armour and weapons – and instantly charge. Their horses, hybrids of established Polish equine lineage and eastern horses, were bred to run fast while carrying a load, and to recover quickly. They used Ottoman-style saddles, which allowed both warrior and horse to use more armour. It would gain its fastest speed and closest formation just before engaging the enemy.Īpart from a long lance, the hussars’ weapons included a stabbing sword, a sabre, a set of pistols and, occasionally, a war-hammer or axe. The charge would start at a slow pace, in a fairly loose formation, which would gradually gather pace and close ranks. Having supply wagons with spare lances made the repeated use of this tactic possible. In battle, the hussars’ primary tactic was the charge, charging at and through the enemy, which they repeated several times until the enemy formation broke. These arcs, together with bristling feathers sticking out of them, were dyed in various colours in imitation of laurel branches or palm leaves, and were a strangely beautiful sight to behold…” (‘ Husaria the Winged Horsemen’ by Anna Wasilkowska) Most likely, they were used to protect the rider’s back from sword attacks.Īccording to the 18th century Polish historian and diarist, Jędrzej Kitowicz, “ Instead of ostrich feathers, the husaria men wore wooden arcs attached to their armour at the back and raising over their heads. Their ‘wings’ comprised a wooden frame adorned with eagle, ostrich, swan or goose feathers. Hussars tended to be recruited from wealthy Polish nobility, with each hussar responsible for raising his own retinue, several of which were combined to form a hussar banner or company.
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