Terracotta Horse

Horses were a mainstay of the army of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. They were used to pull chariots and as mounts for cavalry units. Some of them were fitted with armour to protect them against arrows and melee weapons.

As such when the Terracotta Warriors was created a large number of life-size horses were built to aid them. Like their human counterparts these horses have individual flourishes that distinguish them from each other. War chariots have four horses apiece and horses meant for cavalry units appear to be taller but shorter in length. This particular horse is fitted with a saddle, suggesting that he (or she) is meant to be ridden.