Overall: 58cm (23in) x 73cm (29in)
Oil on canvas. A chestnut charger equipped with the full dress horse furniture of an officer of the Royals of the period 1847-1871, comprising hunting pattern saddle with regulation blue girth, Ukrainian black lambskin edged in regimentally specific red scalloped cloth, over the dragoon style shabraque of authorised pattern, being bullion embroidered with the Guelphic crown, Royal crest encircling Garter and designation ‘1’ ‘D’ at the hindquarters and crowned VR cypher at the forequarters covering the wallets, complete with officers’ pattern bridle fitted with regimental ear and bit bosses; in a stable, to the left, an officer’s pattern helmet, of the type devised by Prince Albert and proscribed for heavy cavalry in 1847, with 1821 pattern heavy cavalry officer’s sword, resting on a trunk. Canvas: 44cm (17.5in) x 60cm (23.5in).
In October 1854 the Royals famously formed part of the Heavy Brigade which charged uphill at the Battle of Balaclava to defeat a superior force of onrushing Russian cavalry.