British cavalry tests camouflage patterns on horses for future combat roles

The UK Ministry of Defence has authorized the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment to test custom camouflage on horses as part of a broader effort to enhance mounted capabilities. The exercises took place at the Longmoor Training Area, where troops practiced reconnaissance, mobility and sustainment in forested and boggy ground. Inspired by allied forces such as the United States and an Estonian mounted unit, the regiment also assessed how horses could traverse terrain that would immobilise heavy vehicles.

Participants, including Trooper Newell, reported difficulties navigating dense gorse, deep mud and dense woodland using only traditional navigation tools, and described the horses' reaction to live fire. The trials aim to determine whether equine assets can support future operations in austere environments.