<P> Officers and troopers alike were usually given a wide leeway by their superiors in carrying out their orders, so long as the larger objectives of the plan were well served and the orders promptly obeyed . The Mongols thus avoided the pitfalls of overly rigid discipline and micromanagement, which have impeded armed forces throughout history . However, all members had to be unconditionally loyal to each other and to their superiors, and especially to the Khan . If one soldier ran from danger in battle, he and his nine comrades from the same arban would face the death penalty together . </P> <P> Six of every ten Mongol troopers were light cavalry horse archers; the remaining four were more heavily armored and armed lancers . Mongol light cavalry were extremely light troops compared to contemporary standards, allowing them to execute tactics and maneuvers that would have been impractical for a heavier enemy (such as European knights). Most of the remaining troops were heavier cavalry with lances for close combat after the archers had brought the enemy into disarray . Soldiers usually carried scimitars or halberds as well . </P> <P> The Mongols protected their horses in the same way as did they themselves, covering them with lamellar armor . Horse armor was divided into five parts and designed to protect every part of the horse, including the forehead, which had a specially crafted plate, which was tied on each side of the neck . </P> <P> Mongolian horses are relatively small, but extremely hardy, self - sufficient and longwinded . These horses could survive in climates that would have killed other breeds, enabling the Mongols to launch successful winter attacks on Russia . Mongol horses typically do not require a daily supply of grain . Their ability to forage grass and twigs on their own--and to survive on such fodder--helped free the Khan's army from the need for supply lines . The Mongol horse has excellent stamina . In 30 km traditional races between Mongol horses and breeds like the Arabian or Thoroughbred, it has been found that the latter are faster, but that Mongol horses are better able to run at length . The tireless nature of the Mongol horse meant that it would have stayed fresh longer in battle, granting Genghis Khan's armies an endurance advantage . </P>

How did the great wall of china limit the mobility of the mongol army