![]() By concentrating the formation at the last, crucial moment before crushing the enemy, it was able to completely break the enemy lines, while still being able to change formation or direction even a short time before crushing the opponent. The tactic of husaria included a special kind of charge, which proved to be decisive in many battles won by Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. They could also repeat the charge several times during the battle. Thanks to these, and to a special kind of saddle, hussars and the horse could wear much heavier armor. They were a mixture of Polish and Tatar blood horses, able to run very fast even under a heavy load. Husaria used horses that were breed and trained specially to this aim. What made husaria of Jan III Sobieski different than other heavy cavalry units of 17th century? A few facts: Surprisingly it's mentioned mainly by foreign, not Polish sources, what now leads historians to think that it was just a rumor. There was a strong belief that the wings caused psychological effect on the enemy, frightening horses and riders. Hetman's guard, painting by Wacław Pawliszak It will be easier to understand why, when you look at the picture below: They became famous as so called "winged cavalry". But when prince of Transylvania, Stephen Bathory, became king of Poland in 1576, he completely reorganized these forces into elite, heavy units, that were much better trained and equipped, with unique tactics. ![]() The answer is both "yes", as it's completely different kind of hussars that the one mentioned in the question about effectiveness of Cossack cavalry, and "no", as there were around 20,000 horses in the charge, not 3000. ![]() Its vigor and splendor is impossible to imagine." (Cosimo Brunetti, 1676) "It is chivalry that has no equal in the world ![]()
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