Richard Simkin’s illustration of the uniform adopted by the 9th after they were converted to light dragoons is purely speculative. The transition from heavy to light dragoons was ordered in 1783 but it took time to re-equip and dress the five regiments chosen for this change. The regimental history says that the 9th Dragoons were posted to Ireland in 1717 where they remained for 90 years. The history claims that the regiment remained as heavy dragoons until 1804, but the inspection returns of the 1780s and 90s make no mention of this irregularity so it may not be true. While they were in Ireland they would have been well placed to buy smaller horses, and able to import the uniforms and equipment from England if necessary.
The uniform changed from red to blue but retained the buff facings and the silver or white lace and cords. The waist-length jacket had white frogging across the chest but in formal orders of dress was covered by a sleeveless garment, called a shell, of the same colour, that had a different style of frogging, distinguished by crossed cords. This had short tails with buff turnbacks. By the mid 1790s the shell had been discarded and replaced by the sleeved blue jacket that was long on the waist. The sword, carried on a shoulder belt was, at the same time, changed to a waist-belt. The light dragoon helmet was made of leather and had a peak. The fur crest covered the front, top and back, and a white plume was fastened to the left side. At first the turban was buff but by the late 1790s was changed to black, and the plume to white over red.
The officer, on the left, has a fringed epaulette on the left shoulder and a crimson sash around his waist. The private, on the right, has two shoulder straps, the one on the left shoulder being for an ammunition pouch for his carbine.
