<P> Many different types and sizes of horse were used in war, depending on the form of warfare . The type used varied with whether the horse was being ridden or driven, and whether they were being used for reconnaissance, cavalry charges, raiding, communication, or supply . Throughout history, mules and donkeys as well as horses played a crucial role in providing support to armies in the field . </P> <P> Horses were well suited to the warfare tactics of the nomadic cultures from the steppes of Central Asia . Several East Asian cultures made extensive use of cavalry and chariots . Muslim warriors relied upon light cavalry in their campaigns throughout North Africa, Asia, and Europe beginning in the 7th and 8th centuries AD . Europeans used several types of war horses in the Middle Ages, and the best - known heavy cavalry warrior of the period was the armoured knight . With the decline of the knight and rise of gunpowder in warfare, light cavalry again rose to prominence, used in both European warfare and in the conquest of the Americas . Battle cavalry developed to take on a multitude of roles in the late 18th century and early 19th century and was often crucial for victory in the Napoleonic wars . In the Americas, the use of horses and development of mounted warfare tactics were learned by several tribes of indigenous people and in turn, highly mobile horse regiments were critical in the American Civil War . </P> <P> Horse cavalry began to be phased out after World War I in favour of tank warfare, though a few horse cavalry units were still used into World War II, especially as scouts . By the end of World War II, horses were seldom seen in battle, but were still used extensively for the transport of troops and supplies . Today, formal battle ready horse cavalry units have almost disappeared, though the United States Army Special Forces used horses in battle during the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan . Horses are still seen in use by organized armed fighters in Third World countries . Many nations still maintain small units of mounted riders for patrol and reconnaissance, and military horse units are also used for ceremonial and educational purposes . Horses are also used for historical reenactment of battles, law enforcement, and in equestrian competitions derived from the riding and training skills once used by the military . </P> <P> A fundamental principle of equine conformation is "form to function". Therefore, the type of horse used for various forms of warfare depended on the work performed, the weight a horse needed to carry or pull, and distance travelled . Weight affects speed and endurance, creating a trade - off: armour added protection, but added weight reduces maximum speed . Therefore, various cultures had different military needs . In some situations, one primary type of horse was favoured over all others . In other places, multiple types were needed; warriors would travel to battle riding a lighter horse of greater speed and endurance, and then switch to a heavier horse, with greater weight - carrying capacity, when wearing heavy armour in actual combat . </P>

When was the last time horses were used in war