Gashants are upright quadrupeds that have powerful legs and impressive endurance. While still found in the wild in large numbers, the domesticated gashant is also ubiquitous, being the principal draft animal and the exclusive cavalry mount in use by Martian troops. The tough, wiry gashants of the Nilosyrtis Hills are particularly prized by troops who have to operate in difficult or arid country, and are the only gashants used by the Meepsoor Lancers.

A gashant can carry up to 140 kg, including the saddle. Gashants used as pack animals require a pack saddle and bridle which cost the same as horse tack, but only weigh 5 kg. Gashants can be worked about eight hours without exhausting them.