household cavalry

[campbellking]

Was at the horse show on Saturday night and saw their excellent display. Can anyone tell me the function of the purse like objects they carry on the riders' backs ? I could only think of bullet holders, I know it's all ceremonial outfits but assume they had a purpose at one time. Thanks in advance

[Octavius]

If you mean the one bearing the brass coat of arms badge (black leather purse with white strap) then this served as a document pouch.

[sddsddean]

Spot on Octavius. In David Niven's autobiog "The Moons a Balloon", he tells the story of when he was at Sandhurst (before he got into acting) and was chosen as one of the C in C's messengers; a great honour apparently. As such, he and the other bloke had the message pouches added to their uniforms. He got fed up of being asked what was in the pouch, so used to say "have a look". The enquirer would find 20 woodbines and a pack of french letters. After several weeks, everyone had looked and the contents were forgotten...until the C in C asked to inspect the pouches! Niven stood at attention and felt the pouch (which of course was on his back) being opened and then shut. The C in C said to him that he had heard about the contents and thanked him for being so thoughtful! Niven removed the contents as soon as he could!

[campbellking]

Thank-you for your fantastic answers. Would have replied earlier but was at the horse show again last night!