Here's why:
* Horses were the dominant military animal: Horses were the main work animals used by armies around the world at the time. They were strong, versatile, and well-suited for various tasks, from pulling artillery to transporting supplies.
* Donkeys were less suitable: Donkeys, while hardy and sure-footed, were generally smaller and less powerful than horses. They were less suited for pulling heavy loads or carrying riders over long distances.
* Donkeys were used in some roles: While not a primary animal, donkeys were used in limited capacities by the ANZACs. For example, they were used for transporting supplies in rugged terrain where horses might have trouble.
It's likely the misconception about donkeys came from a combination of factors:
* Donkeys were used in other campaigns: During the First World War, donkeys were used in other theaters, such as the Italian Front. This may have led to the idea that they were widely used by all Allied forces.
* The image of the "donkey soldier": The image of a soldier riding a donkey might have become associated with the ANZACs due to popular culture or artistic depictions.
Ultimately, while donkeys did have some role in the war, the ANZACs primarily relied on horses for their military needs.