For centuries, mounted cavalry dominated the battlefield through shock and mobility. Man maintained a symbiotic relationship with the horse, which became particularly sacrosanct on the battlefield and even created a new, exalted social class. These mounted warriors sought to preserve their prestige despite the advent of new technologies threatening to render them obsolete. In Cavalry from Hoof to Track, Roman Jarymowycz traces the evolution of the cavalry from the warhorse to the armored tank and demonstrates how its survival is a history of determined and creative responses to the changing dynamics of modern warfare. Ultimately, he argues, the very concept of cavalry exists as its own state of mind.
The cavalry and its doctrine are misunderstood, and its tactics and operations remain a mystery for many civilians. New technology and the increased integration of the armed forces create the illusion that the cavalry no longer exists as a distinct military entity and philosophy. Jarymowycz clarifies these misconceptions by offering a comprehensible overview while explaining military terminology and outlining basic cavalry principles. The book concludes by suggesting how the cavalry will continue to evolve in response to contemporary third world conflicts, perhaps even reverting to its original, tactical role of close quarter combat.
Reviews
"Public libraries/general collections."—Choice, November 1, 2008
"The cavalry and its doctrine are misunderstood, and its tactics and operations remain a mystery for many civilians. New technology and the increased integration of the armed forces have created the illusion that the cavalry no longer exists as a distinct military entity and philosophy. Jarymowyez clarifies these misconceptions by offering a comprehensible overview, while explaining military terminology and outlining basic cavalry principles. This well written and timely book concludes by suggesting ways in which the cavalry will continue to evolve in response to contemporary Fourth Generation conflicts, perhaps even reverting to its original, tactical role of close-quarter combat."—Lt. Colonel Robert A. Lynn, Florida Guard, April 1, 2009
"Roman Jarymowycz has written an eloquent and insightful grand sweep of the entire cavalry saga, as he says, From Hoof to Track. He artfully describes the long and romantic ride of the horse warrior through history, and as a descendent of many generations of Hungarian Hussars I appreciate that. But as a contemporary professional, I appreciate even more the way he captures, as few historians have, the operational role of cavalry through the ages and into the future. As he explains, cavalry is more than a mere state of mind, it is the enabler of operational art and operational level maneuver. At each technical revolution it takes some time to refine the means and methods, and he describes these struggles well. When the 21st century Cavalry takes shape we will all recognize it for what it is. The horse may be gone but the function persists."—Brigadier General (ret.) Huba Wass de Czege, U.S. Army
"In this engaging study, Jarymowycz demonstrates that cavalry really is a state of mind. He convincingly links the warhorse of the classical and medieval eras with the cavalry regiments of Desert Storm. A great read full of ideas worth pondering."—Terry Copp, author of Fields of Fire: The Canadians in Normandy
"There is no one quite like Roman Jarymowycz, a modern scholar, raconteur extraordinaire, and 18th century hussar all rolled into one high-energy package. Cavalry from Hoof to Track will thrill aficionados of the horse arm, as well as their modern descendants in helicopter and tank. The scope is epic, from Macedon to the M-1, Bucephalus to Basra, and the author's inimitable style rarely fails to delight."—Rob Citino, Eastern Michigan University
"Written with all the elan of a charge by Curassiers, Roman Jarymowycz's masterful study of the history of cavalry is based on deep research. For all the author's learning, his volume is great fun to read as it leads one to ponder what might have been and still is."—J.L. Granatstein, Distinguished Research Professor History Emeritus, York University; author of Canada's Army
