They're a kind of x-shaped defensive structure (apparently military) from which barbed wire is sometimes strung (but not, I gather, always). I believe they're also used to slow or block traffic (e.g., at road blocks).
There are "Friesian Horses" in English, but they're real horses!
Tante grazie Francesca (e ciao Angela!). Just what I needed - I'd never have figured this out otherwise. For anyone interested in military history (I'm not particularly, but this term piqued my interest), Francesca's links lead to some very interesting info, as does a search for the alternate term, "Spanish Riders." Best, W. 4 KudoZ-Punkte wurden für diese Antwort vergeben
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Francesca Zambelli Niederlande Muttersprache: Italienisch PRO-Punkte in Kategorie: 4
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Tante grazie Francesca (e ciao Angela!). Just what I needed - I'd never have figured this out otherwise. For anyone interested in military history (I'm not particularly, but this term piqued my interest), Francesca's links lead to some very interesting info, as does a search for the alternate term, "Spanish Riders." Best, W.
The translation workplace 
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