Light Cavalry HAC

The Light Cavalry HAC originally was formed in 1861 as a further extension to the Honourable Artillery Company's 'variety of arms'. Amongst their then duties was that of guarding the Lord Mayor of London, a role taken over more recently by the Company of Pikemen and Musketeers of the Honourable Artillery Company. In 1891 the HAC Light Cavalry was disbanded and absorbed into the rapidly expanding horse artillery element of the Regiment, eventually becoming part of 'A' Battery HAC.

Current Organisation
In 1979 the Light Cavalry was reformed, as a civilian organisation, chiefly due to the enthusiasm of Major Gerald Flint-Shipman, an officer in the RGJ(V) and member of the HAC, who became its first commander. The Light Cavalry is open to both Regimental and Non-Regimental Members of the HAC and those wishing to join the Light Cavalry may be proposed for membership on that basis if they have previous military service elsewhere.

In April 2004, as the celebration of twenty five years since reforming, the Captain General of the Honourable Artillery Company, Queen Elizabeth II, was pleased to inspect the HAC Light Cavalry in Review, at Windsor, and afterwards presented a Royal Warrant enacting their rights and responsibilities. This includes the right to wear badges of qualification and achievement, but not rank, earned in Her Majesty's service.

Activities
They escort the Lady Mayoress, and particularly provide her ‘Travelling Escort’ at the Lord Mayor's Show. A dismounted ‘Carpet Guard’ lines the entrance to the Royal Courts of Justice to ‘protect’ the Lord Mayor’s coach whilst the Pikemen are otherwise engaged inside on the same occasion. The Light Cavalry also supply mounted and dismounted guards at polo matches held at Smith’s Lawn Windsor during the summer months. Members of the HAC Light Cavalry take part in a variety of equestrian competitive activities, either as individuals, or as team members. There is a Cross-country equestrianism team, The Slashing Sabres, and teams that enter Skill at Arms, sword, lance and revolver, tent pegging, eventing and show jumping competitions.