During the 16th and 17th Centuries, the elite of the fine Polish cavalry units were the Winged Hussars. Comprising members of the Polish nobility, the Hussars began as mercenaries in the 16th Century. Mounted on horses specially bred for speed and strength, these warriors were fearsomely adorned with wing-like eagle and vulture feathers in back racks towering overhead. With gold-plated armor and exotic animal skins over their saddles, Hussars completed their armament carrying a 17-foot lance and long sword.
The Winged Hussars were feared by every cavalry and infantry unit, Turkish, Swedish, Russian, Tartar or German. 100 Hussars have been known to disperse a force of two or three thousand. the Winged Hussars never retreated; they won the battle or died in the service of the King.
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