Horses remembered by world history

Legends have been made about them, films have been made, and stories have been dedicated to them. Horses are animals associated with the entire culture and development of mankind. It is no accident horses of many historical figures remained forever in history.

For the first time horses were used in war over 5000 years ago. After World War I, with the advent of tanks, the mounted regiment faded into the background. Nevertheless, many cavalry formations participated in World War II as well. Horses showed remarkable bravery in helping men in battle. Some of them were decorated, some of them have monuments - we will tell you just about these horses.

Lisetta

Lisetta is the war horse of Peter the Great. The emperor bought it by chance when he was returning from Europe. He met some merchants in Riga, who had a young stallion of brown color for sale. At first sight Peter "fell in love" with the horse, which was distinguished by unusual beauty, so he stopped the merchants and immediately, without selling, offered to exchange his horse for their stallion.

From that time for 10 years Lisetta became Peter's faithful companion in all battles and campaigns. It is known that in the battle of Poltava Lisetta saved the tsar from death. During the battle Peter found himself virtually alone in front of the Swedish army units, which fired on the rider. The horse jerked to the side, thereby saving the tsar from danger.

In all the paintings where the emperor on horseback, it is Lisette who is depicted. Or, for example, the monument "The Bronze Horseman.

Bucephalus

One of the most famous horses in history is Alexander the Great's favorite horse named Bucephalus. He was bought for 340 kg of silver, which was a huge sum in those days. But no one could cope with Bucephalus' stubborn character. Only 12-year-old Alexander was able to tame the horse.

The ancient Greek philosopher Plutarch recounted the case this way:

... "Alexander at once ran up to the magnificent horse, seized him by the bridle and turned his muzzle toward the sun: apparently, he noticed that the horse was frightened when he saw a wavering shadow ahead of him. For some time Alexander ran beside the horse, stroking him with his hand. Making sure that Bucephalus had calmed down and was breathing fully, Alexander threw off his cloak and jumped lightly on the horse. At first, pulling the reins slightly, he restrained Bucephalus without striking him or pulling his reins. But when Alexander saw, that the horse's nerve didn't threaten any more trouble and that Bucephalus was rushing forward, he gave him free rein and even began to prod him with loud exclamations and leg kicks. Philip and his retinue were silent, embraced with anxiety, but when Alexander, having turned his horse according to all the rules, returned to them, proud and exultant, all broke into loud shouts. The father, it is said, even wept for joy, kissed Alexander who had descended from the horse, and said: "Seek, my son, a kingdom for yourself, for Macedonia is too small for you!"

According to one version, Bucephalus died in battle in India at the advanced age of 30.

Comanche

A horse named Comanche is one of only two horses in U.S. history to be buried with full military honors. He was purchased by the U.S. Army in 1868.

In the battle of June 25, 1876, Comanche received seven severe bullet wounds, with arrows sticking out of the horse's croup - he lost a lot of blood, but was alive. Other horses in the battalion were killed by Indians or shot by the soldiers themselves, who used the corpses of the animals as cover from the bullets. At first they wanted to put the horse out of its misery and shoot it, but Sergeant Korn prevented this. The commander's wounds were bandaged, then gently carried to the steamer. The horse endured the long crossing. At Fort Lincoln Comanche recovered from his wounds and made a full recovery, and was tirelessly cared for.

Comanche died at about age 29 in 1891 He was buried with all military honors, only two horses in U.S. history have been honored with this. At the request of the command of the Seventh Cavalry Regiment, an effigy was made of Comanche. It is still on display in the Natural History Museum at the University of Kansas.

Staff Sgt. Reckless.

The mare, nicknamed Reckless, was awarded a number of medals and decorations and was officially commissioned in the United States Marine Corps.

The horse was given the nickname Reckless after it was seen to be unafraid of the roar of gunfire and the noise of battle. The mare was quickly trained by the Marines. She was rarely kept on a leash; she moved quite freely around the camp. Reckless was famous for eating just about anything, from eggs to beer, colas and candy bars.

The horse took part in numerous skirmishes in the Korean War. It delivered ammunition and food to the front lines, transported the wounded to the rear, and helped lay telephone cables. Reckless was quick to memorize new routes and could hike without an escort.

The culmination of Reckless' military career came in March 1953. During the Battle of Outpost Vegas, she flew 51 flights in one day on her own, delivering ammunition to the front lines.