Bot-Horses — mechanized cyborgs with four legs that outwardly and functionally resemble horses. Widely used by all forces of the Hetmanate Federation. The primary means of transportation for Serdiuks and Haiduks across planetary surfaces. A bot-horse is powered by an internal cold fusion engine, which requires replacing the battery containing warp fuel.
Bot-horses have a great many varieties depending on the purposes of use and the branch of troops employing them.
These horses were first used by Khartsyzy rebels in the Muryid System. Khartsyzy engineers designed a mechanical cyborg resembling a horse and inflicted a series of defeats on the classic mechanized bands of Haiduks mounted on combat vehicles. Due to their extraordinary adaptability to terrain and cross-country capability, the Khartsyzy on bot-horses could maneuver through areas impassable for conventional APCs and IFVs.
After the suppression of the Muryid Uprising, bot-horses quickly spread across all systems and became part of the jura training curriculum.
Advantages
Can traverse virtually any terrain. Does not require oxygen to operate. Some modifications can carry a heavy Terminator on their back.
Disadvantages
Requires replacement of the cold fusion battery with warp substances such as einsteinium or strontium. Rarely has armor. Vulnerable to kinetic projectiles.