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The 45acp was developed to emulate the only handgun cartridge that was effective in stopping the muslim extremists of their day, the Moro warriors. The Army was using the 38 long colt which had muzzle energy similar to a .380 (though it was a heavier bullet than a .380 (130 grains at about 770fps, I think?)
From "wikipedia" ... "The Cavalry had fielded some double action revolvers in .38 Long Colt. They determined that the .38-caliber round was significantly less effective against determined opponents, such as the warriors encountered in the Moro Rebellion of the Philippine–American War, than the .45 Colt. The current issue rifle at the time, the .30-40 Krag, had also failed to stop Moro warriors effectively;[3] the British had similar issues switching to the .303 British, which resulted in the development of the Dum-dum bullet."
So, Pilot, the 45acp development had NOTHING to do with the use of horses or the lack thereof. It was developed in response to the 38 caliber round of its day being very lacking in effectiveness. It's also interesting that the Brits developed expanding ammunition as a solution to the same problem...it's a pity expanding ammunition can't be used in war, then the 9mm versus 45 debate would become moot.
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