For the identically named unit in Napoleon: Total War, see Horse Guards (Republic). For the Empire: Total War units, see Horse Guards (Great Britain) and Horse Guards (United Provinces).
Horse Guards are a type of heavy cavalry in Napoleon: Total War.
Description[]
Horse Guards are an elite heavy cavalry unit, with a fierce reputation and deadly sabres.
It is the task of the heavy cavalry to break the enemy by shock and impact. Simply put, the Horse Guards are expected to charge home and smash enemy ranks through weight and speed. They are not for chasing down enemies: that is the work of faster, lighter cavalry forces. Instead, they are a battering ram, hurled over short distances against close-formed enemies in the hope of producing a breakthrough and utter consternation. Thanks to being part of the royal household guard, these cavalrymen also lend a touch of class to the brutal business of a cavalry charge!
Historically, the Horse Guards Parade in London was the setting for “Trooping of the Colour”, a practice that dates back to the 17th Century. A regiment’s colours were a rallying point on the battlefield and so they were shown to the soldiers beforehand, in order that they would be recognised in battle. Today, the ceremony is used to celebrate the official birthday of the ruling monarch; at the time of writing Queen Elizabeth attends every year and takes the salute at the end of the parade.
General Information[]
Horse Guards are among the best heavy cavalry that Great Britain can field, with the best attack, defense, charge bonus, and morale of all British cavalry. They are the most expensive to train, however, and they are limited to only one regiment.
Spanish Horse Guards are very different from British Horse Guards, and are merely Spain's equivalent of generic elite cavalry some other unplayable factions have access to. Spain is unusual in that it has access to both horse guards but also the Guardias da Corp, giving it access to a larger pool of elite cavalry than most factions.