Mounted Private c1895

The dress uniform is worn here with the pill-box cap. In regular regiments and some other yeomanry units this private would have worn a stable jacket but the Yorkshire Hussars dress jacket had the same shape as a stable jacket and they presumably did not see the need to have both. The knee boots and breeches replaced the overalls (trousers) in late 1871 but this photo dates after 1891 because in that year the cavalry other-ranks were ordered to have their swords fixed to the saddle rather than the waist-belt. Even so, one would expect the waist-belt and sword slings to be worn by the private so that when he dismounted he could attach the scabbard to the slings. The greatcoat is rolled and strapped to the front of the saddle. The bridle is unusual in having a strap around the horse's neck, probably part of the halter that remained on the horse when the bridle was removed. The bit is the curved early type that was discontinued in the late 1890s. Under the horse's belly can be seen the end of the carbine holster that is attached to the saddle on the other side.