Light Cavalry HAC

In 1861 the Light Cavalry Troop (initially a squadron) was added to the HAC. Apart from its military duties, the Light Cavalry formed the official mounted escort for the Lord Mayor of London. The Light Cavalry paraded for Princess Alexandra's visit to the city in 1861, the state visit of Tsar Alexander II in 1874 and was reviewed by Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace and in Windsor Castle in the 1880s.

In 1890 the Light Cavalry Troop was converted into a unit of horse artillery by order of the War Office and was renamed Horse Artillery Battery, taking precedence over the HAC's existing field Battery.

In 1979 a new ceremonial Light Cavalry unit was formed within the HAC. Its chief proponent was Major Gerald Flint-Shipman, an officer in the Territorial Army Royal Green Jackets and non-regimental member of the HAC, who became its first commander. The Light Cavalry was awarded the Royal Warrant from HM Queen Elizabeth in 2004. In 2020 the Light Cavalry comprises a headquarters and two Troops, each of three sections.

The Light Cavalry parades in the Lord Mayor's show and also provides mounted and dismounted guards of honour for members of the royal family, the Lady Mayoress and the City of London Livery Companies, as well as other institutions, equestrian events, balls, dinners and film premieres.

\Military equestrian skills are taught and practiced by the Light Cavalry, preserving military drills of a Victorian cavalry. Members regularly participate in skill-at-arms and military equestrian events. Members wear full dress 19th century Hussar uniform with silver facings. A busby, traditional hussar headgear, is worn with ceremonial mounted and dismounted review order. In addition members may also be seen in frock order, mess kit and barrack dress for drill nights. Instruction is given in the use of traditional cavalry weapons of the era, the sword and lance.

The Light Cavalry also has a Supporting Riders Club based at their stables in Windsor Great Park. Here lessons and hacks are available to members of the club which can be civilians as well as military. Supporting Riders also help on parades. [1]

• The Light Cavalry website