Skinner's Horse: The Indian cavalry regiment that goes into battle with a prayer on its lips

A porcelain figure by Michael Sutty of an officer, circa 1911, dressed in the famous mustard yellow of Skinner's Horse.

Few regiments embody the faiths that are a part of India more than Skinner's Horse. Since 1803 it has fought through the battlefields of history with the prayer, "Himmat-e-Mardaan, Madad-e-Khuda" on its lips. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian sowars have ridden across Afghanistan, Belgium, China, Egypt, Ethopia, France, Iraq, Iran and Italy united by their bravery, their sweat and their blood. Today, Skinner's Horse is the fourth oldest cavalry regiment of the Armoured Corps of the Indian Army. And its prayer of courage is translated as "Bravery-of-Man, Help-of-God." But it's interpretation is as deep and wise as India itself: is it "God helps the Brave"? Or "The Brave help God"? It's both.