The illustration here is by Mike Chappell, taken from his book British Cavalry Equipments 1800-1941 (Osprey 2002). The notes say that the first universal saddle was this wood pattern of 1856; sometimes called Nolan’s saddle. Its wooden arches were reinforced with metal, the sideboards and flaps padded with panels of serge stuffed with horsehair, and the seat was secured to the arches with rivets and screws. There was a small bucket, or boot, for the lance attached to the stirrups and a case for horseshoes. The blue cloth valise was stuffed with spare clothing, toilet gear and grooming kit. Metal mess tins were strapped on top. The corporal has wallets on his shoulder which were strapped on the front of the saddle.
He has a yellow and red girdle with a small expense pouch attached. He also carries a water-bottle and haversack as well as the white pouch-belt. The equipment near the tent shows his lance forming a tripod with a 1864 pattern sword in a steel scabbard, and the Martini-Henry carbine. This latter was issued to the 9th Lancers for the first time in 1878. It was of 0.45in calibre and weighed 7lbs. It needed a special reduced charge to make the recoil less shoulder-bruising. Chappell says that swords were attached to the saddle for the first time, and that the carbine was slung on the rider’s back. This is at odds with the Norie painting. Other items include a circular India pattern water-bottle and an Oliver water-bottle. The 1842 percussion pistol had a lanyard attached. The regimental history says that pistols were put into store when the carbine was issued.
