The article highlights the profound but often overlooked role of horses in shaping Ethiopia’s history, culture, and military power. From the 10th century onward, horses transformed warfare in the northern Horn of Africa by enabling the rise of cavalry-based armies, such as the elite Knights of St. Anthony, who combined religious devotion with martial skill to defend and expand the empire. Beyond their military utility, horses symbolized prestige and divine authority, reserved for nobles and royalty, and were integral to social hierarchies, trade networks, and diplomatic relations. Ethiopia’s diverse indigenous horse breeds and its participation in regional horse trade further underscore the animal’s economic and cultural significance.

Historian Isaac Samuel’s comprehensive study traces this equine legacy across nearly a millennium, revealing how horses influenced Ethiopia’s political structures, military strategies, and social identities. Despite the decline of cavalry warfare by the 19th century, the horse remained a potent emblem of status and tradition, deeply embedded in religious art, royal customs, and warrior culture. Contemporary equestrian guide Yves-Marie Stranger emphasizes that while Ethiopia’s rich horse culture astonishes foreign riders, many Ethiopians today remain unaware of this heritage. With over two million horses still present, there is potential to revive and modernize Ethiopia’s equestrian traditions, preserving a vital link to its imperial past.