Horses must be of the proper colors (bays, blacks, chestnuts and grays) and appearance, preferably geldings (no stallions) and of suitable temperament. Size is an important factor since all of our members are required to mount and dismount from the ground with carbine, saber and full kit. Horses should be calm, healthy and well groomed and copies of all current shots, vaccinations and Coggin's test must be on record with the regiment.

We also have a very small but strong distaff and civilian presence in the l7th LD. These members portray camp followers, civilians and related military personnel who would have been attached to the regiment, as was custom with the British army in the 18th century. One of the main focuses of our civilian branch is the interpretation of the use of animals (equine and other) by the military and civilian population in the 18th century. We welcome interested women and men who want to learn about and interpret this aspect of Revolutionary War living history.

If you have questions or are interested in joining the 17th Light Dragoons please contact us at: horsel7ld@aol.com
 

*We can assist those who are truly interested in learning

Frequently Asked Questions
 

Who are you people?

We are a group of ordinary people who have common interests in horses and 18th century history.

What are you doing?

We attempt to recreate the life of the 18th century British Cavalry soldier as accurately as possible (while staying within the bounds of safety, public health and relative good sense).  In trying to live as they did, we learn more about history and we also improve our horsemanship

Why?

We do this to learn more about history and horses, for our own benefit and to share knowledge with other interested people.   (The REAL reason we do it is the same as for any hobby: we think it's fun.)

What is a ‘dragoon’?

The word dragoon refers to a type of cavalry (mounted) soldier.  Characteristics of dragoon troops included Dragoon horses were typically more lightly built than heavy cavalry horses. This meant that they were more speedy and maneuverable.  Dragoon troopers did not wear body armor, as the early (16th and 17th century ) cavalry did.  Dragoons did not always fight on horseback: sometimes they rode to the area of need, dismounted, and fought on foot.

What did dragoons do?

In the American Revolution, dragoons were important on both the British and Continental sides.   In those days, the horse was the fastest means of land transportation, so mounted men were used as messengers and as scouts for determining the best line of march, or position of the enemy.  Mounted soldiers were also able to get into battle (or out of it) quicker than infantry.  The dragoons were never a large part of the army in terms of numbers, but they had an impact on the outcome of many engagements.

Troopers equipment

Helmet – made of leather and brass.  The skull and crossbones or ‘death’s head’ was the regimental crest.  (Yes, pirates have also used this symbol, but they never had a monopoly on it!)  The red flowing crest is dyed horsehair.  The helmet offered some protection from sword cuts, and also served to identify the dragoon as belonging to the 17th.  Our helmets are reproductions based on an actual 17th LD helmet that survives in the Army Museum in Paris.

Regimental coat – made of wool, red with white facings.  Even details, like buttons and the ‘lace’ trim are accurately recreated.  The regimental was a primary means of identification.  Another dragoon regiment in North America at this time, the 16th light dragoons, wore regimentals that were red with blue facings.

Saber – the single bladed, straight sword of the dragoon hung in a scabbard from its shoulder sling

Carbine – a flintlock musket.  Its shortened barrel makes it a little easier to use while on horseback.

Cartridge box – this leather container holds pre-made cartridges (18th century bullets)

Boots – some references state that the 17th rode with ‘short boots, like a jockey’, while others describe longer boots with knee guards which are more typical of cavalry.  Whether long or short, boots are the universal mark of a horseman; they protect and stabilize the rider's lower leg. Dismounted dragoons wore shoes and gaiters similar to infantry soldiers.

Horse equipment (“tack”)

Bridle – consists of the headstall, the bit, and the reins.  The bit fits in the horse's mouth in a space between the teeth.  The horse feels even small movements of the bit; in this way the rider communicates with the horse.  Many different types of bits and bridles have been used over the centuries.   Most references indicate that the military used the ‘double’ or ‘full’ bridle during this period  (see figure).

Head collar – called a ‘halter’ today, this is used to tie the horse when it's not being ridden.   When riding, the bridle was put on over the head collar.

Saddle – The saddle serves several important purposes.  Firstly, it protects the horse's back by distributing the rider's weight over a larger area. Secondly, it allows  the rider to support some of his weight on his feet ( in the stirrups), giving him much more security and providing a smoother ride.  Saddles have changed even more through the centuries than bridles, but during the 18th century, the saddle used by the civilian and military population looked very similar to the modern English saddle. The girth and surcingle keep the saddle in place, and a folded saddle blanket provides padding.

Breastplate – this helps keep the saddle from slipping back.  The crupper, which runs from the cantle of the saddle to the horse's tail, helps keep the saddle from slipping forward.

Other equipment:
Depending on the dragoon and his duties, other equipment might have included the following:

pistol buckets – leather containers covered with bearskin held the heavy flintlock pistols of the time period

farrier's churns – the regimental farrier  (blacksmith/veterinarian in the 18th century) carried his blacksmith and horse-leech equipment in these

a canteen, blanket roll, feed  or forage bag, picket rope, or portmanteau (18th century suitcase) might also hang from the saddle.

The dragoon horse might easily carry more than 250 pounds in rider and equipment!