Mounted men of the Hampshire Carabiniers provide the escort for the Mayor as he is paraded in front of crowds in an open carriage. The yeomen wear a blue uniform that would normally be regarded as undress serge frocks. But this was a transitional stage as the new dress uniforms had yet to be issued. The blue frocks had silver shoulder chains but apart from that they were plain. There were buttoned breast pockets but no hip pockets to spoil the sleek appearance. The stand collar had small bimetal badges, and rank chevrons were worn on the right arm. White leather pouch-belts with black leather pouches are slung on the left shoulder, although these had been officially discontinued in the cavalry since 1902. The uniform was normally worn with a blue and white peaked forage cap issued in 1907 but for this ceremony the silver helmet with white plume enhanced the dignity of the occasion.
The horse furniture consists of the plaited white head-rope, leather wallets on the front of the saddle, and rolled greatcoat strapped to the back of the saddle. The sword scabbard is attached to the saddle and a pouch for spare horseshoes can be seen behind it. In most cavalry regiments the rank and file would have sword slings attached to a waist-belt so that the sword could be carried when dismounted. However the regiment, still titled Imperial Yeomanry in 1908, were classed as mounted infantry, so the sword was more for show on this occasion.
