warhorse

Any horse used in horse-cavalry, but especially one bearing an armored knight.

A regularly revived theatrical or musical work, as with Hamlet or a Beethoven symphony, or as excerpts thereto. May imply that the work in question has become hackneyed.

“2006 Most important though is the fact that, for the first time in I can barely remember how long, the ROH mounts a new production of an Italian repertory warhorse that is fully on the level of the one it replaces [and indeed, in some respects, surpasses it] [...] we actually have a "Tosca". — Google group.”

An experienced person who has been through many battles, situations or contests; someone who has given long service.

“"Srinath: India's warhorse" (headline from BBC News)”