THE THIRD REICH IN PHOTOS WARHORSES OF KURSK

Following World War I, the size and equipment of the German military was restricted by the Treaty of Versailles. While motor vehicles intended for the military came under strict control, the treaty allowed for seven infantry divisions and three cavalry divisions consisting of 18 regiments. In effect, the cavalry made up a large part of the German army, with 16,400 of the permitted 100,000 soldiers on horseback.

A great amount of time was afforded to basic rider training – some 3,000 hours. This laid an excellent groundwork for the horse-mounted troops, although as Germany moved towards war, the training time was reduced to an average of one hour per day, riders now focusing on weapons and combat tactics.

Since much of their duties