61 "The acquisition of Canada ... will be a mere matter of marching," quoted in White, Patrick C. T., A Nation on Trial: America and the War of 1812 (New York: John Wiley, 1965), p. 126.
62 Gazette de Montréal, April 13, 1812.
63 NAC, RG9, Vol. 3, Jean-Baptiste Hertel de Rouville to François Vassal de Monviel, Chambly, May 17, 1812. There was so much red cloth used in 1812 that there was hardly any left when the time came to replace the uniforms, and in 1813 most of the militiamen wore green coats trimmed in red with white braid. Red was worn once again in 1814 and 1815, after uniforms arrived from England.
64 PRO, Colonial Office 42, Vol. 146, George Prevost to Lord Liverpool, Quebec, May 18, 1812.
65 Quoted in Hitsman, John Mackay, The Incredible War of 1812: A Military History (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1965), p. 61.
66 Dunlop, William, Recollections of the American War, 1812-14 (Toronto: Historical Publishing, 1905), p. 13.
67 Long after Wilkinson's death in 1824, Louisiana historian Charles Gayarré discovered that prior to the War of 1812 he had accepted a fortune in gold from the Spanish, who secretly bought his cooperation and influence with the American authorities in connection with the drawing of the American boundaries with New Spain. See Archer, Christon, The Army in Bourbon Mexico, 1764-1810 (Albuquerque: University of New Mexico, 1977) and Gayarré, Charles, History of Louisiana (New York: 1854), Vol. 2.
68 The exercise did not concern only weapons handling, but also tactical manoeuvres and the movements of armies on the field of battle. It had considerable impact on the conduct of battle in the Napoleonic wars and was adopted with varying degrees of modification by most European armies. See Graves, Donald E., The Battle of Lundy's Lane on the Niagara in 1814 (Baltimore: Nautical & Aviation Publishing, 1993).
69 In August 1814 in Washington, British troops destroyed public buildings, including the Capitol and the President's residence, to avenge similar acts committed by the American army at York (Toronto) the preceding year. Before burning the residence of the President, the soldiers of the 21St British Regiment feasted on the presidential dinner that had been left hurriedly by Madison and his guests.
70 This agreement nevertheless came too late to prevent the failure of a major British raid on New Orleans, which was defended by American General Andrew Jackson. The battle, which took place on January 8, 1815, had no strategic impact in spite of all the romanticism Americans have since attached to it.
72 Pelletier, Oscar C., Mémoires, souvenirs de familles et récits (Quebec City: 1940), p. 50.
73 A couplet from the play by George Farquhar, The Recruiting Officer, produced in April 1706 and quoted in The Rambling Soldier: Life in the Lower Ranks, 17501900, Through Soldiers' Songs and Writings, ed. Roy Palmer (London: Penguin, 1977), p. 9.
74 PRO, War Office 34/2, James Murray to Jeffery Amherst, Quebec, August 27, 1763.
75 In Grose, Frances, A Dictionary of Buckish Slang, University Wit and Pickpocket Eloquence (London: 1811), reprinted under the title 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue (Chicago: Follett, 1971), q.v.
76 Ibid., see for a detailed description. In some regiments, the newly married officers were also subjected to this tradition.
77 The sergeants living in the barracks had a small room with a wooden partition at the end of the room.
79 Aubert de Gaspé, Philippe, Mémoires (Quebec City: 1885), pp. 32-33. After this punishment, the soldier was taken to the infirmary, where he stayed for at least three weeks recovering, his back covered in bandages soaked in sugar and lead oil (plumbi acetas). The surgeon could interrupt the punishment if he felt that the convicted man's life was in danger, because a few unfortunate ones did die. But an interruption is all that it was, and after the soldier was healed the rest of the sentence would be administered.
80 PRO, War Office 34, Vol. 4, James Pitcher to Jeffery Amherst, Quebec, September 23, 1763.
81 Based on a number of stereotypes, British officers of the period were for a long time depicted as ignorant and licentious. Nothing could be further from the truth, as demonstrated by John A. Houlding's excellent study, Fit for Service: The Training of the British Army, 1715-1795 (Oxford: Clarendon, 1981).
82 See Lacelle, Claudette, La garnison britannique dans la ville de Québec d'après les journaux de 1764 à 1840 (Ottawa: Parks Canada, 1979), pp. 55-56.
83 Cuthberston, Bennett, A System for the Complete Interior Management and Oeconomy of a Battalion of Infantry (London: 1769), p. 23.
86 NAC, RG8, C1247, Duke of Richmond to the Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, Lord Bathurst, Quebec, November 10, 1818. The Duke of Richmond, an experienced military man, was appointed governorin-chief of British North America in May 1818, and he personally inspected the border. He died accidentally the following year near present-day Ottawa while on a reconnaissance mission. His recommendations were ratified by the Duke of Wellington.
87 Despatches, Correspondence, and Memoranda of Field Marshal Arthur Duke of Wellington, edited by his son, the Duke of Wellington (London: John Murray, 1867), Vol. 1, p. 46.
88 Figures for the Rideau Canal are often contradictory. For some enlightenment, see Raudzens, George, The British Ordnance Department and Canada's Canals, 1815-1855 (Waterloo: Wilfrid Laurier University, 1979). The budgets for the Royal Navy are based on Clowes, William Laird, The Royal Navy: A History, From the Earliest Times to the Present (London: Sampson, Low, Marston, 1901), Vol. VI, p. 190.
91 SRO, Dalhousie Papers, Confidential Report, Quebec, May 26, 1824.
92 SRO, Dalhousie Papers, Lord Dalhousie to Lord Bathurst, Quebec, December 19, 1823.
93 NAC, RG9, IA1, Vol. 82, François Vassal de Monviel to P.-H. Bédard, Esq. Quebec, December 5, 1823.
94 SRO, Dalhousie Papers, June 1, 1828, in which Dalhousie asks that the officers wear a grey or blue frock with a crimson sash. Several units reported having adopted blue frocks with sashes the following year - NAC, RG9, IAl, Vol. 34-35; the Beauce cavalry was mentioned in the Quebec Mercury on May 9, 1829.
96 Papineau, Amédée, journal d'un Fils de la Liberté ré fu gié aux États-Unis par la suite de l'insurrection canadienne, en 1837 (Montreal: Étincelle, 1978), Vol. II, pp. 46-47.
97 Quoted in Senior, Elinor Kyte, Redcoats & Patriotes: The Rebellions in Lower Canada, 1837-38 (Ottawa: Canadian War Museum, 1985), p. 137. The sacking of the Spanish city of Badajos, which was defended by the French in 1812, took place after a horribly bloody assault by the British army. Completely unhinged and made crazy by the violence of battle, the soldiers lost all discipline and went on a rampage of theft, sacking, drunkenness and rape. It took three days to restore order. No rapes were reported at Saint-Eustache because the women had vacated the town, with the children, prior to the battle.
wood pitch forks so 'idiot' troopers did not injure horses with metal pitch forks when mucking out!
Period Saddles------ the elliottt saddle. The wood arch saddle/hussar saddle was used on home service, on experimental purposes only. Therefore on campaign, the old saddles were used. This was the 1796 saddle, which was in essence the Elliott saddle with some changes like brass binding to the cantle. Ignore the 1796 heavy cavalry saddle having fans- MY mistake. The appended items I am sure will be of interest. (saddle pics) Plus in 1813 the clothing would be to the new pattern. Now if you do this, I can assist on the clothing, so you have 100% correct kit. Plus I have the pattern for the light dragoon pelisse, as well as able to source the correct lining [shag]. The big document is a forthcoming book. Use the data. The book will have nice colour plates in it, which are not in the draft. Kochan & Phillips do the cloth and I can do the patterns for the 1812 kit. The colour photo of the saddle is the Elliott saddle, with pillion and holsters. Stuart Lille makes them. Marjomann in portugal makes a saddle that is close. The bridle image- the head collar is the bridle. The bit attaches to the head collar to make the bridle. No group in UK uses the correct bridle. Does the bridle drawing make sense? (saddle pics and bridle pics) In the document is the description of the 1806 saddle, which is based on the Elliott pattern. Stuart assumed, like me, the saddle in Edinburgh castle from Cornet Gape Scots Greys at Waterloo was the 1796 heavy cavalry saddle which in either 1803 or 1806 became the universal pattern saddle. The saddle in Edinburgh has fans, the 1796 saddle had no fans. So we must assume a variant of the Elliott saddle with brass binding to the cantle.Well, the board of general officers dont mention the 1796 saddle as having fans, neither does the 1806 saddle. The saddle in edinburgh has fans, therefore it cannot be the 1796/1806 saddle.here is the description of the saddle and tack: 1 saddle with pillion, leather edging for the pommel and the pannier, brass cantle edging, pair of sweat flaps, web girth and roller buckles, crupper, martingale breast plate, leather sircingle, pair of stirrup leathers, pair of stirrup irons, pair of holster straps, pair of holsters, pair of bear skin flounces (pistol holster covers), carbine bucket with straps and picket ring, carbine strap, pair of double forage straps, single middle forage straps, set of cloak straps, leather cloak cover, head collar, iron chain with billets for head collar, bit, bradoon, curb with hooks, bit head stall, bradoon head stall with brow band, bit rein, bradoon rein, nose band A saddle with fans has no need for the pillion.
also, the saddle in Edinburgh has no brass binding to the cantle.
The 19th would not have had the hussar saddle in Canada. In short, the 10th LD used it on experimental purposes in 1811, on 1st Jan 1813, after the trial with the 10th LD and later the 20th LD in 1811, the Hussar saddle was adopted for regiments on home service, on an experimental purpose. On foreign service the old 1806 UP saddle was used [this is the 1796 heavy cavalry saddle, based upon the Elliot LD saddle]. British version had composite arches. The French cut the arches from ash, ideally the part of the plank would have a knot in the middle, so that the grain of the wood was naturally in an arch shape. The British arches were cut from two pieces of timber and joined together, so I assume a lap/ or scraf joint with pegs and fish glue.The French saddle has the arch reinforced by a simple curve of wrought iron that is not fixed to the side boards. I have no idea how the metal arch worked for the British. The drawing tylden shows, of a saddle type that never existed, as the metal arches having a L bracket at the bottom to the attack to the side boards. I can give chapter and verse on the French, it is close to the British, but wont be technically correct. The British I am sure is 90% the same as the French bar the jointed arches front and back, and differences in metal work. Plus the British has leather side falls, attached to the thonging that hold the seat down, the French never had this. drawing for the bridle from 1812. Its a head-collar cum bridle, the curb buckles on. It was used by the 10th 12th and 20th LD. The angle of front and back arch to the side boards is 35degrees, The arches are tennoned in and also reinforced with the tounge and groove. The side boards are dished. The british arches are two part as I said, a simple scarf joint, the arches then hold both together. hay nets were not used in the period. Troopers had a long length of rope called a forage rope, which they used to 'truss up' a 'stook' of hay or straw. 'Stook' being the old term for a bundle, i.e an arm full when harvesting with the scythe. It annoys me to see folk using something, hay nets, which were never used. Plus the hay goes on the front of the saddle and not the back for what ever reason. troopers also had little wooden lockers to carry their meat ration in. On my photo of the replica saddle, the rope coiled up around the horse shoe pouch is the forage rope!The storage locker is not that large. I have the dimensions of the company boxes. troop chests. measure 4feet ten long, 2feet 2 inches wide, 2feet 2inches deep. made from pine planks. rope handles. Hinges, hasp and locks, nails and screws in copper. Measure is British old imperial.
for cloth Kochan & Philips- I am working with them to make cloth based on examples of original uniforms in my collection. They retail in US and UK.
Pelisse The lining is scarlet shag. this is the 1812+ item. One piece centre back, one piece sleeves. Facings and linings in scarlet shag. (pic of template) Yes the shag lining and facing was always scarlet regardless of facing. I append one of the few period engravings to show the pelisse. The pattern is a photo of the original, so you know its correct (pic ) Picture of hand coloured engraving. You see on the plate of the 12th the scarlet lining. Also the head kit of the horse matches very well the regulation drawing of the head kit. It shows home service though, the tell tale being the spoon cantle of the hussar saddle.The spoon cantle is the give away- hussar saddle = spoon cantle = home service. I have no idea if the Pelisse was designed to be worn. It should not be confused with the officers neglige which was a floor length pelisse. I am still no clearer on the pre 1812 light dragoon uniform. Shakos- have made them in the past. The Pelisse/Surtout maybe officers only- as you have probably read we are no closer at identifying if OR had these. I hope to be able to get hold of the Shag cloth for the lining and facings.
Neglige: Officers wore it off duty. The military version of the then current house coat worn in civillian life,. It would evolve into the victorian smoking jacket..
To be able to do any 'arms work' on horse back, you need to ride without using your reins, once you have done that, its all a lot easier. Ok some clients have had issues with riding with no reins, but I actually enjoy it. Builds you confidence and muscle tone up The company I work with has some of the highest qualified stage fighters and instructors in UK. They are also some damn good riders brightly coloured, wooden poles, with ribbons on the end I find is very good at getting a horse used to weapons around its head. noise and gun fire is hard to do. Best done when the horses are in the barn eating to start with. Plus it helps the riders dont flinch either with guns going off! Also as part of the training, getting the horse to walk over plastic sheeting, over mattresses etc helps, as does learning to fall off the horse as well. best done with crash mats to land on. It desensitizes the riders to falling off- helps a lot. yes. best done in a school/controlled environment at first. I have known a lot of riders who lack confidence because they are scared of falling off- if you get used to it and know how to fall the fear deminishes, and helps build confidence. saying that when a horse bucks and rears with me on board I still get nervy about the falling off. To get the horse used to swords, lances etc we use a broom handle painted with very garish colours and ribbons on the end. In essence you just pass this each side of the head till the horse dont notice it. That is 99% of the training done. to get the horse used to the target poles etc- just walk the horse around them, let them sniff them, chew them, kick them, so they are used to the them. A lot of the training is common sense. A lot of the gun training is down to the rider- if the rider flinches when the gun goes bang, the horse will spook because you spooked. I can write some notes down if that would help?
we do gun training. Hardest bit is training the riders to be used to the bangs and not getting tense. A big test I use, is to get the rider and horse to move towards a firing cannon. If you can do that at the trot then you and horse are fine. (training log, skil at arms) We have full training logs, as well as riding standards guides. If you cannot do the basic training you dont do events We insist riders must ride at least once a week in between training. Ideally we would train weekly. Getting riders, and getting riders willing to spend money on kit is the headache we have at the moment. A lot of riders have come along, and failed our basic standard but dont want to improve their riding, and then 'moan' about us and our horses. Seems some folk dont like 'an elite' group, or a group better than the 'heard' of mediocre groups
well there are only a few ways to hold the reins in the left hand- either naturally or text book. I dont like the thumb on top method and have always used a horizontal hand. ok thats what im use to aswell but the thumb on top for the double rein makes a lot of sense yes, gives you more control. I am not up to riding on the curb alone- it is my goal, it will happen in time. But you need soft hands before you use a double bridle. I have seen horses ruined due to riders having heavy hands with a double bridle or using a very severe bit badly. i cant do it myself i still have heavy hands (only been riding 2 years lessons for 1) but my wife can. can i show this article to her she would be very interested in this she is one of my dragoons (we let women in not historical but we find it more fun to let everyone have a go). by all means show your wife. We have female riders. I see it this way- we are not 19th century people, we are larger in stature, know more, have a different mind set, and can leave the 'period' any time we want to, so it does not matter what sex the rider is.
I have ridden for 30 yrs come september, two lessons a week for 30 yrs and I am still learning.
Ground cloth waterproofed.
Waterproofed to properly insulate of the moisture during the nights on the bivouacs.
Model 1 : "Tarred" more historical. 67" x 35.5" without grommets
Model 2 : "Rubberized" laminated, 47.20" x 70.90" with grommets less historic but also morewaterproof and more durable in the long run.
Canvass Mattress (Palliasse, named after a jacket?). (canvas mattress pic)
240cm x 70cm
Very convenient to not have any straw in the tent and to sleep in better conditions.
The storage locker dimensions of the company boxes. troop chests. measure 4 feet ten long, 2 feet 2 inches wide, 2 feet 2 inches deep. made from pine planks. rope handles. Hinges, hasp and locks, nails and screws in copper. Measure is British old imperial.
working on patterns for the light dragoon overalls and pantaloons An original pair from c.1815 exist in Norwich barracks from the 7th Hussars which I will copy. These are the Grey campaign ones. I can as easily do pairs for you as well as for your other half. The cloth overalls with reinforced seat are awful to ride in in the rain. cloth reinforced seat and inner legs. they just get wet and soggy and heavy. cloth seat reinforced with leather cuff at bottom.
I cannot imagine the stable coat would change. The stable cap seems to have been either the knitted humble bonnet think French Pokalem style- big round flat disc top and with a head band.
Grey or grey blue overalls strapped with black leather (officers) brown (enlisted) and double yellow stripe down the outside leg. A lot of material will be in the National Archives in London and or with the regiments successor formation. I can get hold of granby lace or a diced lace, which we can dye yellow for troopers, and I can get it gold for officers. I will see if sean can do the blue/grey cloth for officers pantaloons
stable kit Linen trousers and a coat of some sort. Our stable kit is mostly machine sewn- so if it gets trashed its not a major problem to replace.
the pillion is straight forward.
In essence its a rectangular bit of leather. in the centre is the strap through which the crupper passes. Under neather are to stuffed pannels. these are held to the upper by being bound on with the leather edging
62 Gazette de Montréal, April 13, 1812.
63 NAC, RG9, Vol. 3, Jean-Baptiste Hertel de Rouville to François Vassal de Monviel, Chambly, May 17, 1812. There was so much red cloth used in 1812 that there was hardly any left when the time came to replace the uniforms, and in 1813 most of the militiamen wore green coats trimmed in red with white braid. Red was worn once again in 1814 and 1815, after uniforms arrived from England.
64 PRO, Colonial Office 42, Vol. 146, George Prevost to Lord Liverpool, Quebec, May 18, 1812.
65 Quoted in Hitsman, John Mackay, The Incredible War of 1812: A Military History (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1965), p. 61.
66 Dunlop, William, Recollections of the American War, 1812-14 (Toronto: Historical Publishing, 1905), p. 13.
67 Long after Wilkinson's death in 1824, Louisiana historian Charles Gayarré discovered that prior to the War of 1812 he had accepted a fortune in gold from the Spanish, who secretly bought his cooperation and influence with the American authorities in connection with the drawing of the American boundaries with New Spain. See Archer, Christon, The Army in Bourbon Mexico, 1764-1810 (Albuquerque: University of New Mexico, 1977) and Gayarré, Charles, History of Louisiana (New York: 1854), Vol. 2.
68 The exercise did not concern only weapons handling, but also tactical manoeuvres and the movements of armies on the field of battle. It had considerable impact on the conduct of battle in the Napoleonic wars and was adopted with varying degrees of modification by most European armies. See Graves, Donald E., The Battle of Lundy's Lane on the Niagara in 1814 (Baltimore: Nautical & Aviation Publishing, 1993).
69 In August 1814 in Washington, British troops destroyed public buildings, including the Capitol and the President's residence, to avenge similar acts committed by the American army at York (Toronto) the preceding year. Before burning the residence of the President, the soldiers of the 21St British Regiment feasted on the presidential dinner that had been left hurriedly by Madison and his guests.
70 This agreement nevertheless came too late to prevent the failure of a major British raid on New Orleans, which was defended by American General Andrew Jackson. The battle, which took place on January 8, 1815, had no strategic impact in spite of all the romanticism Americans have since attached to it.
72 Pelletier, Oscar C., Mémoires, souvenirs de familles et récits (Quebec City: 1940), p. 50.
73 A couplet from the play by George Farquhar, The Recruiting Officer, produced in April 1706 and quoted in The Rambling Soldier: Life in the Lower Ranks, 17501900, Through Soldiers' Songs and Writings, ed. Roy Palmer (London: Penguin, 1977), p. 9.
74 PRO, War Office 34/2, James Murray to Jeffery Amherst, Quebec, August 27, 1763.
75 In Grose, Frances, A Dictionary of Buckish Slang, University Wit and Pickpocket Eloquence (London: 1811), reprinted under the title 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue (Chicago: Follett, 1971), q.v.
76 Ibid., see for a detailed description. In some regiments, the newly married officers were also subjected to this tradition.
77 The sergeants living in the barracks had a small room with a wooden partition at the end of the room.
79 Aubert de Gaspé, Philippe, Mémoires (Quebec City: 1885), pp. 32-33. After this punishment, the soldier was taken to the infirmary, where he stayed for at least three weeks recovering, his back covered in bandages soaked in sugar and lead oil (plumbi acetas). The surgeon could interrupt the punishment if he felt that the convicted man's life was in danger, because a few unfortunate ones did die. But an interruption is all that it was, and after the soldier was healed the rest of the sentence would be administered.
80 PRO, War Office 34, Vol. 4, James Pitcher to Jeffery Amherst, Quebec, September 23, 1763.
81 Based on a number of stereotypes, British officers of the period were for a long time depicted as ignorant and licentious. Nothing could be further from the truth, as demonstrated by John A. Houlding's excellent study, Fit for Service: The Training of the British Army, 1715-1795 (Oxford: Clarendon, 1981).
82 See Lacelle, Claudette, La garnison britannique dans la ville de Québec d'après les journaux de 1764 à 1840 (Ottawa: Parks Canada, 1979), pp. 55-56.
83 Cuthberston, Bennett, A System for the Complete Interior Management and Oeconomy of a Battalion of Infantry (London: 1769), p. 23.
86 NAC, RG8, C1247, Duke of Richmond to the Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, Lord Bathurst, Quebec, November 10, 1818. The Duke of Richmond, an experienced military man, was appointed governorin-chief of British North America in May 1818, and he personally inspected the border. He died accidentally the following year near present-day Ottawa while on a reconnaissance mission. His recommendations were ratified by the Duke of Wellington.
87 Despatches, Correspondence, and Memoranda of Field Marshal Arthur Duke of Wellington, edited by his son, the Duke of Wellington (London: John Murray, 1867), Vol. 1, p. 46.
88 Figures for the Rideau Canal are often contradictory. For some enlightenment, see Raudzens, George, The British Ordnance Department and Canada's Canals, 1815-1855 (Waterloo: Wilfrid Laurier University, 1979). The budgets for the Royal Navy are based on Clowes, William Laird, The Royal Navy: A History, From the Earliest Times to the Present (London: Sampson, Low, Marston, 1901), Vol. VI, p. 190.
91 SRO, Dalhousie Papers, Confidential Report, Quebec, May 26, 1824.
92 SRO, Dalhousie Papers, Lord Dalhousie to Lord Bathurst, Quebec, December 19, 1823.
93 NAC, RG9, IA1, Vol. 82, François Vassal de Monviel to P.-H. Bédard, Esq. Quebec, December 5, 1823.
94 SRO, Dalhousie Papers, June 1, 1828, in which Dalhousie asks that the officers wear a grey or blue frock with a crimson sash. Several units reported having adopted blue frocks with sashes the following year - NAC, RG9, IAl, Vol. 34-35; the Beauce cavalry was mentioned in the Quebec Mercury on May 9, 1829.
96 Papineau, Amédée, journal d'un Fils de la Liberté ré fu gié aux États-Unis par la suite de l'insurrection canadienne, en 1837 (Montreal: Étincelle, 1978), Vol. II, pp. 46-47.
97 Quoted in Senior, Elinor Kyte, Redcoats & Patriotes: The Rebellions in Lower Canada, 1837-38 (Ottawa: Canadian War Museum, 1985), p. 137. The sacking of the Spanish city of Badajos, which was defended by the French in 1812, took place after a horribly bloody assault by the British army. Completely unhinged and made crazy by the violence of battle, the soldiers lost all discipline and went on a rampage of theft, sacking, drunkenness and rape. It took three days to restore order. No rapes were reported at Saint-Eustache because the women had vacated the town, with the children, prior to the battle.
wood pitch forks so 'idiot' troopers did not injure horses with metal pitch forks when mucking out!
Period Saddles------ the elliottt saddle. The wood arch saddle/hussar saddle was used on home service, on experimental purposes only. Therefore on campaign, the old saddles were used. This was the 1796 saddle, which was in essence the Elliott saddle with some changes like brass binding to the cantle. Ignore the 1796 heavy cavalry saddle having fans- MY mistake. The appended items I am sure will be of interest. (saddle pics) Plus in 1813 the clothing would be to the new pattern. Now if you do this, I can assist on the clothing, so you have 100% correct kit. Plus I have the pattern for the light dragoon pelisse, as well as able to source the correct lining [shag]. The big document is a forthcoming book. Use the data. The book will have nice colour plates in it, which are not in the draft. Kochan & Phillips do the cloth and I can do the patterns for the 1812 kit. The colour photo of the saddle is the Elliott saddle, with pillion and holsters. Stuart Lille makes them. Marjomann in portugal makes a saddle that is close. The bridle image- the head collar is the bridle. The bit attaches to the head collar to make the bridle. No group in UK uses the correct bridle. Does the bridle drawing make sense? (saddle pics and bridle pics) In the document is the description of the 1806 saddle, which is based on the Elliott pattern. Stuart assumed, like me, the saddle in Edinburgh castle from Cornet Gape Scots Greys at Waterloo was the 1796 heavy cavalry saddle which in either 1803 or 1806 became the universal pattern saddle. The saddle in Edinburgh has fans, the 1796 saddle had no fans. So we must assume a variant of the Elliott saddle with brass binding to the cantle.Well, the board of general officers dont mention the 1796 saddle as having fans, neither does the 1806 saddle. The saddle in edinburgh has fans, therefore it cannot be the 1796/1806 saddle.here is the description of the saddle and tack: 1 saddle with pillion, leather edging for the pommel and the pannier, brass cantle edging, pair of sweat flaps, web girth and roller buckles, crupper, martingale breast plate, leather sircingle, pair of stirrup leathers, pair of stirrup irons, pair of holster straps, pair of holsters, pair of bear skin flounces (pistol holster covers), carbine bucket with straps and picket ring, carbine strap, pair of double forage straps, single middle forage straps, set of cloak straps, leather cloak cover, head collar, iron chain with billets for head collar, bit, bradoon, curb with hooks, bit head stall, bradoon head stall with brow band, bit rein, bradoon rein, nose band A saddle with fans has no need for the pillion.
also, the saddle in Edinburgh has no brass binding to the cantle.
The 19th would not have had the hussar saddle in Canada. In short, the 10th LD used it on experimental purposes in 1811, on 1st Jan 1813, after the trial with the 10th LD and later the 20th LD in 1811, the Hussar saddle was adopted for regiments on home service, on an experimental purpose. On foreign service the old 1806 UP saddle was used [this is the 1796 heavy cavalry saddle, based upon the Elliot LD saddle]. British version had composite arches. The French cut the arches from ash, ideally the part of the plank would have a knot in the middle, so that the grain of the wood was naturally in an arch shape. The British arches were cut from two pieces of timber and joined together, so I assume a lap/ or scraf joint with pegs and fish glue.The French saddle has the arch reinforced by a simple curve of wrought iron that is not fixed to the side boards. I have no idea how the metal arch worked for the British. The drawing tylden shows, of a saddle type that never existed, as the metal arches having a L bracket at the bottom to the attack to the side boards. I can give chapter and verse on the French, it is close to the British, but wont be technically correct. The British I am sure is 90% the same as the French bar the jointed arches front and back, and differences in metal work. Plus the British has leather side falls, attached to the thonging that hold the seat down, the French never had this. drawing for the bridle from 1812. Its a head-collar cum bridle, the curb buckles on. It was used by the 10th 12th and 20th LD. The angle of front and back arch to the side boards is 35degrees, The arches are tennoned in and also reinforced with the tounge and groove. The side boards are dished. The british arches are two part as I said, a simple scarf joint, the arches then hold both together. hay nets were not used in the period. Troopers had a long length of rope called a forage rope, which they used to 'truss up' a 'stook' of hay or straw. 'Stook' being the old term for a bundle, i.e an arm full when harvesting with the scythe. It annoys me to see folk using something, hay nets, which were never used. Plus the hay goes on the front of the saddle and not the back for what ever reason. troopers also had little wooden lockers to carry their meat ration in. On my photo of the replica saddle, the rope coiled up around the horse shoe pouch is the forage rope!The storage locker is not that large. I have the dimensions of the company boxes. troop chests. measure 4feet ten long, 2feet 2 inches wide, 2feet 2inches deep. made from pine planks. rope handles. Hinges, hasp and locks, nails and screws in copper. Measure is British old imperial.
for cloth Kochan & Philips- I am working with them to make cloth based on examples of original uniforms in my collection. They retail in US and UK.
Pelisse The lining is scarlet shag. this is the 1812+ item. One piece centre back, one piece sleeves. Facings and linings in scarlet shag. (pic of template) Yes the shag lining and facing was always scarlet regardless of facing. I append one of the few period engravings to show the pelisse. The pattern is a photo of the original, so you know its correct (pic ) Picture of hand coloured engraving. You see on the plate of the 12th the scarlet lining. Also the head kit of the horse matches very well the regulation drawing of the head kit. It shows home service though, the tell tale being the spoon cantle of the hussar saddle.The spoon cantle is the give away- hussar saddle = spoon cantle = home service. I have no idea if the Pelisse was designed to be worn. It should not be confused with the officers neglige which was a floor length pelisse. I am still no clearer on the pre 1812 light dragoon uniform. Shakos- have made them in the past. The Pelisse/Surtout maybe officers only- as you have probably read we are no closer at identifying if OR had these. I hope to be able to get hold of the Shag cloth for the lining and facings.
Neglige: Officers wore it off duty. The military version of the then current house coat worn in civillian life,. It would evolve into the victorian smoking jacket..
To be able to do any 'arms work' on horse back, you need to ride without using your reins, once you have done that, its all a lot easier. Ok some clients have had issues with riding with no reins, but I actually enjoy it. Builds you confidence and muscle tone up The company I work with has some of the highest qualified stage fighters and instructors in UK. They are also some damn good riders brightly coloured, wooden poles, with ribbons on the end I find is very good at getting a horse used to weapons around its head. noise and gun fire is hard to do. Best done when the horses are in the barn eating to start with. Plus it helps the riders dont flinch either with guns going off! Also as part of the training, getting the horse to walk over plastic sheeting, over mattresses etc helps, as does learning to fall off the horse as well. best done with crash mats to land on. It desensitizes the riders to falling off- helps a lot. yes. best done in a school/controlled environment at first. I have known a lot of riders who lack confidence because they are scared of falling off- if you get used to it and know how to fall the fear deminishes, and helps build confidence. saying that when a horse bucks and rears with me on board I still get nervy about the falling off. To get the horse used to swords, lances etc we use a broom handle painted with very garish colours and ribbons on the end. In essence you just pass this each side of the head till the horse dont notice it. That is 99% of the training done. to get the horse used to the target poles etc- just walk the horse around them, let them sniff them, chew them, kick them, so they are used to the them. A lot of the training is common sense. A lot of the gun training is down to the rider- if the rider flinches when the gun goes bang, the horse will spook because you spooked. I can write some notes down if that would help?
we do gun training. Hardest bit is training the riders to be used to the bangs and not getting tense. A big test I use, is to get the rider and horse to move towards a firing cannon. If you can do that at the trot then you and horse are fine. (training log, skil at arms) We have full training logs, as well as riding standards guides. If you cannot do the basic training you dont do events We insist riders must ride at least once a week in between training. Ideally we would train weekly. Getting riders, and getting riders willing to spend money on kit is the headache we have at the moment. A lot of riders have come along, and failed our basic standard but dont want to improve their riding, and then 'moan' about us and our horses. Seems some folk dont like 'an elite' group, or a group better than the 'heard' of mediocre groups
well there are only a few ways to hold the reins in the left hand- either naturally or text book. I dont like the thumb on top method and have always used a horizontal hand. ok thats what im use to aswell but the thumb on top for the double rein makes a lot of sense yes, gives you more control. I am not up to riding on the curb alone- it is my goal, it will happen in time. But you need soft hands before you use a double bridle. I have seen horses ruined due to riders having heavy hands with a double bridle or using a very severe bit badly. i cant do it myself i still have heavy hands (only been riding 2 years lessons for 1) but my wife can. can i show this article to her she would be very interested in this she is one of my dragoons (we let women in not historical but we find it more fun to let everyone have a go). by all means show your wife. We have female riders. I see it this way- we are not 19th century people, we are larger in stature, know more, have a different mind set, and can leave the 'period' any time we want to, so it does not matter what sex the rider is.
I have ridden for 30 yrs come september, two lessons a week for 30 yrs and I am still learning.
Ground cloth waterproofed.
Waterproofed to properly insulate of the moisture during the nights on the bivouacs.
Model 1 : "Tarred" more historical. 67" x 35.5" without grommets
Model 2 : "Rubberized" laminated, 47.20" x 70.90" with grommets less historic but also morewaterproof and more durable in the long run.
Canvass Mattress (Palliasse, named after a jacket?). (canvas mattress pic)
240cm x 70cm
Very convenient to not have any straw in the tent and to sleep in better conditions.
The storage locker dimensions of the company boxes. troop chests. measure 4 feet ten long, 2 feet 2 inches wide, 2 feet 2 inches deep. made from pine planks. rope handles. Hinges, hasp and locks, nails and screws in copper. Measure is British old imperial.
working on patterns for the light dragoon overalls and pantaloons An original pair from c.1815 exist in Norwich barracks from the 7th Hussars which I will copy. These are the Grey campaign ones. I can as easily do pairs for you as well as for your other half. The cloth overalls with reinforced seat are awful to ride in in the rain. cloth reinforced seat and inner legs. they just get wet and soggy and heavy. cloth seat reinforced with leather cuff at bottom.
I cannot imagine the stable coat would change. The stable cap seems to have been either the knitted humble bonnet think French Pokalem style- big round flat disc top and with a head band.
Grey or grey blue overalls strapped with black leather (officers) brown (enlisted) and double yellow stripe down the outside leg. A lot of material will be in the National Archives in London and or with the regiments successor formation. I can get hold of granby lace or a diced lace, which we can dye yellow for troopers, and I can get it gold for officers. I will see if sean can do the blue/grey cloth for officers pantaloons
stable kit Linen trousers and a coat of some sort. Our stable kit is mostly machine sewn- so if it gets trashed its not a major problem to replace.
the pillion is straight forward.
In essence its a rectangular bit of leather. in the centre is the strap through which the crupper passes. Under neather are to stuffed pannels. these are held to the upper by being bound on with the leather edging