The Regimental Manual Second Edition.pdf - Lord Strathcona's Horse

REGIMENTAL MANUALREGIMENTAL FAMILY2. Horses are selected for size, colour, markings andtemperament. Preferred colours are chestnut or sorrel with aheight range of 15.1 - 15.3 hands. A notable exception wasCrossbell, who was skewbald in colour and stood 15.1 hands.The Blood Indians presented Crossbell to the Colonel-in-Chiefof the Regiment, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, in1977. The Troop took care of Crossbell on behalf of theColonel-in-Chief. The Troop Riding Master rode Crossbell until1991 when he was retired and returned to pasture with the BloodIndians.3. Riding tack for the Troop consisted of 1912 Universal-Pattern saddles (steel-arch) and military reversible Portsmouthbits mounted on a polo bridle. In 1995, the saddles werereplaced with Stubins Revolutionary General Purpose saddles.Each horse is also equipped with a leather breastplate mountingthe regimental badge, a standard saddle blanket in Strathconacolours with regimental appliqué and saddle rolls to carry therider’s slickers. In most aspects of the Troop performance theTroop Leader and Troop Sergeant carry 1912/1908-patterncavalry sabres while troop riders are equipped with bamboocavalry lances.Figure 15 – Ceremonial Mounted TroopLeader in 1987 (Regimental MuseumArchives)4. Horses manes are pulled evenly four to six inches to theright with a bridle path clipped into it. In addition, the TroopLeader’s mount has a horsehair throatlatch tassel, whichhistorically distinguished officers on the battlefield.ARTICLE 3502 - MOUNTED TROOP DRILLSword and Lance drill used by the troop are described in Annex K - SWORD DRILL and AnnexL - LANCE DRILL. The programme and drill for the musical ride are held separately by the Troop.ARTICLE 3503 - MOUNTED TROOP AUTHORITYThe Canadian Forces formally recognizes the Strathcona Mounted Troop as its only “AuthorizedAlternate Voluntary Ceremonial Sub Unit.” 3 The Troop is formed under the authority of theCommanding Officer and receives limited support from the Department of National Defence. Thissupport allows the soldiers to participate in troop training activities and public performances and othercommitments, ensures coverage for the soldiers in the event of injury and permits limited support in theform of finances and other resources, when available. In return, the Troop performs for Department ofNational Defence-sponsored activities from time to time. The Strathcona Mounted Troop helps tomaintain good public relations and increases the visibility of the Canadian Forces.3 Canadian Forces Administrative Orders 61-17 (Alternate Voluntary Ceremonial Sub-Units).3-7