Hakkapeliitta (Finnish pl. hakkapeliitat) is a historiographical term used for a Finnish light cavalryman in the service of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden during the Thirty Years' War (1618 to 1648). Hakkapeliitta is a 19th century Finnish modification of a contemporary name given by foreigners in the Holy Roman Empire and variously spelled as Hackapelit, Hackapelite, Hackapell, Haccapelit, or Haccapelite. These terms were based on a Finnish war cry hakkaa päälle (English: hack on; Swedish: hacka på), commonly translated as "Cut them down!"

The Hakkapeliitta were well-trained Finnish light cavalrymen who excelled in sudden and savage attacks, raiding and reconnaissance. The greatest advantage of the fast and lightly-armored Hakkapeliitta cavalry was its charge. They typically had a sword, a helmet, and leather armor or a breastplate of steel. They would attack at a full gallop, fire the first pistol at twenty paces and the second at five paces, and then draw the sword. The horse itself was used like another weapon, as it was used to trample enemy infantry.

The horses used by the Hakkapeliitta were the ancestors of the modern Finnhorse; despite their small size they were strong and durable.



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Thanks, Tov.
We've gone a bit off-topic, but...
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Finnhorse

There is no need to apologise Tov... one thing leads to another and our interest is captured.

What stout little horses, so beautiful.


The Carlton Clydesdale's were a symbol of the Carlton Brewery, such a shame they are only in ceremonial works now.

More men drink Carlton Draft in my area than Fosters, I dont drink beer so wont comment on the taste, its all awful.

More Koff horses, still no buxom lasses ;-)



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I like the "shadows walk with me" bit.