Horse Colours

[grizzlymc]

I've always wanted to do the campaigns of 1816 and on against the Corsican Dwarf. Lifeguards in cuirasses, lancers, infantry in bell top shakoes with no lace.

[Essex Boy]

That would indeed be most splendid.

E

[Paul]

It does look like very specific placing for the bay/chestnut horses and they are far outnumbered by the black so you're right it does seem to tie in with the previous post regarding officers horses

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

If you look carefully, the shabraques on the brown horses have much more ornate borders, suggesting officers.

[Impecunious Hero]

. . . and massive gold epaulettes, gold embroidered sword hangars and cross belts, and black sheepskin saddle covers; definitely officer types if you ask me.

[Essex Boy]

Well, that would seem to be reasonably conclusive......if not conclusive then certainly indicative.

Pleased to be of some assistance.

Iain

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

One last point - in August 1799, the following order was issued from Horse Guards:-

"The heavy cavalry, with the exception of the two regiments of Life Guards and Royal Regiment of Horse Guards, are to be mounted on nag-tailed horses.
"The First, or King's Regiment of Dragoon Guards; the First, or Royal Regiment of Dragoons; the Third, or King's Own Regiment of Dragoons, are to be mounted on black nag-tailed horses.
"The Second, or Queen's Regiment of Dragoon Guards, are to be mounted on nag-tailed horses of the colours of bay and brown.
"The Second, or Royal North British Regiment of Dragoons, are to be mounted on nag-tailed grey horses.
"All other regiments of heavy cavalry on the British establishment are to be mounted on nag-tailed horses of the colours of bay, brown, and chestnut.
“The custom of mounting trumpeters on grey horses is to be discontinued, and they are in future to be mounted on horses of the colour or colours prescribed for the regiments to which they belong."

Make of it what you will.

[Paul]

I'm presuming 'Nag-tail' refers specifically to docking and not to banging or shaving the tails?

[grizzlymc]

Hmmmm, looks like my Union Brigade have the black and brown in the wrong regiments.

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

I'm presuming 'Nag-tail' refers specifically to docking and not to banging or shaving the tails?

Yes.