The British Army now has more horses than main battle tanks, a bizarre reality highlighted by recent Ministry of Defence figures.
While the number of Challenger 2 tanks has plummeted from 1,200 in 1991 to just 213 in 2025—only 157 of which are combat-ready—the number of military horses has remained steady at around 500, according to military historian Dr. Mark Felton.
This imbalance stems from the military’s deep-rooted ceremonial traditions, with entire battalions dedicated to royal parades and public duties.
The Household Division, which includes the iconic Foot Guards and the mounted cavalry of the Household Regiment, has remained largely untouched by budget cuts that have otherwise shrunk the army to its smallest size in centuries.
Meanwhile, the United States Army, with fewer ceremonial horses (176) but a staggering 4,650 Abrams tanks, underscores the stark contrast in military power.
Critics argue that Britain’s dwindling tank force leaves it ill-prepared for modern conflicts, especially in an era of renewed warfare in Europe.
Adding to the farce, the army now boasts almost as many generals (206) as tanks, a statistic that raises serious questions about its operational effectiveness.
As Britain faces an uncertain geopolitical future under deeply unpopular warmonger PM Keir Starmer, the question remains: will there be any tanks left in another decade, or will the army continue marching forward—on horseback?
They haven’t even got enough sailors to man their aircraft carriers.
The horses are the emergency ration.