What is Light Cavalry?

Introduction Light cavalry comprises lightly armed and lightly armoured troops mounted on horses, as opposed to heavy cavalry, where the riders (and sometimes the warhorses) are heavily armoured. The missions of the light cavalry were primarily raiding, reconnaissance, screening, skirmishing, patrolling, and tactical communications. They were usually armed with swords, spears, or bows, and later… Read More

What is Heavy Cavalry?

Introduction Heavy cavalry was a class of cavalry intended to deliver a battlefield charge and also to act as a tactical reserve; they are also often termed ‘shock cavalry’. Although their equipment differed greatly depending on the region and historical period, heavy cavalry were generally mounted on large powerful warhorses, and were often equipped with… Read More

Third-class Ride or First-class Walk?

“With a decent troop officer, when we rode up to an outlying pub on the edge of a village, he’d say, ‘It’s all right to go in for a drink.’ …… After several grand days like this we’d ride back into Tidworth camp, and probably see the wretched infantry fellows staggering in off a route… Read More

What is the Link between Horse Riding & RAF Pilots?

Did you know that the Royal Air Force (RAF) has a long tradition of equestrianism (aka horse riding)? Horse riding has its roots in the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), the air arm of the British Army from 1912 to the First World War, when it merged with the Royal Naval Air Service on 01 April… Read More

ANZAC Day: Remembering Fallen Warriors, Both Men & Horses

Here in Australia it is ANZAC day when the military and general populations remember the sacrifice made by so many during the First World War. However, it wasn’t just people who made the ultimate sacrifice, dogs and horses also made significant contributions and sacrifices during the Great War. Dogs were used as rat catchers and… Read More