WARHORSE

The horse is a prey animal. Yet from ancient times man has used this easily startled creature to carry him into battle, and to symbolise his own power.

Four programmes, A Beast for Heroes, The Iron Horse, In the Face of Fire and The Last Charge? explore the development of the strange partnership between man and horse that produced the warhorse

The series covers an enormous span of time, from the Hyksos, who invaded the Ancient Egyptians with a devastating new method of warfare, right up to the cavalry of this century

The programmes explore the tension between the bond of trust between horse and rider, and the risks the horse is required to take on behalf of its rider. Ancient technology is rebuilt and tested, and stunt riders and horses bring violent mediaeval battles to life, contrasting dramatically with romanticised notions of knights on their steeds. Modern-day cavalry officers talk about training and regimentation of horses and men, explaining systems that have been in existence since the eighteenth century.

The final film contains an eye-witness account of the last cavalry charge. Colonel Gray, whose Lancers had recently been mechanised, faced that charge. On one level envious of those brave men on brave horses, he and his men gunned them down