Light Horseman

Our light horseman holds a feedbag for his beloved Waler horse while resting during the Sinai–Palestine campaign of 1916-18. In the heat of the Middle East he has discarded his woollen tunic in favour of a flannel undershirt. Like other mounted troops, the light horseman wears leather ‘Stowasser’ leggings with butterfly straps for his spurs and riding breeches. His equipment is an Australian-made copy of the British 1903 Pattern cavalry bandolier equipment.

The Australian Light Horse fought as cavalry of the early 20th century: usually dismounting to fight on foot with rifles and light machine-guns but capable of charging mounted. They also preformed reconnaissance and screening duties.