Horses on operations  in Kosovo!

The SCOTS DG and its predecessors have a history that is dominated by exploits of man and horse; indeed the Regiment has only been mechanised for some 60 years of its 320 year history.

The Scots Greys who were immortalised by their dashing charge at Waterloo ("Les Terribles Chevaux Gris") added to the legend with a spectacularly successful charge with the Heavy Brigade at Balaclava in 1854. It is ironic that the day that saw one of the most brilliant cavalry charges in history is better remembered for the subsequent disaster that was the charge of the Light Brigade.

The Scots Greys were so associated with their horses that it gave rise to an official name change (from 2nd Royal North British Dragoons) . The earliest known instance of them being seen on their eponymous mounts was in 1694. Before they embarked for Flanders, they were reviewed in Hyde Park by William III and it is recorded that 'they made a fine sight, for the entire regiment rode grey horses'. Though 'Scots Greys' did not become the official title for many years, it was in general use from the very early 1700s. Some authorities have suggested that the name came originally from the grey coats worn during the first few years of the regiment's existence, but this is not the case since their grey coats were not unique and there is no instance of the name being used until after the known introduction of the grey horses.

Whilst the Scots Greys were classic heavy cavalry, the 6DG had interestingly been both heavy and light cavalry. The differences between the two types was one of speed - light cavalry were used for skirmishing, reconnaissance and other duties requiring speed above all; the heavy cavalry retained for the shock effect of the mass charge. Thus when the 6DG converted to the light cavalry role in 1851, their recruits were ordered to be less than twelve stones in weight and the size of their mounts was proportionately reduced. Unusually the Regiment retained some of the uniform of heavy cavalry regiments, making them appear a most unusual combination.

This amazing order resulted in the Scots Greys spending a miserable 48 hours trying to dye their grey horses with solution of permanganate. The end result was mounts of a patchy dirty liver colour.

In 1938, along with other cavalry regiments, the 3rd Carabiniers mechanised, although the Scots Greys were to remain mounted for another 3 years. Perhaps understandably, tanks were not embraced by everyone within the two regiments as they are today. Many no doubt agreed with Mr Duff Cooper MP, who proclaimed at the time that:

"It was like having to ask a great musical performer to throw away his instrument and devote himself in future to the gramophone" (!)

Today the SCOTS DG continue the practise of using grey horses in their ceremonial work, along with the fine cavalry traditions of the 3rd Carabiniers.

However the one exception is the Regimental Mascot, who is actually not grey but black. Ramillies, the largest horse in the British Army, was presented to the Regiment by the Colonel-in-Chief, HM The Queen in 1989. Standing over 18 hands high he he has his own rank (Major) and ration book. When he does carry drums he is like other drum horses controlled by stirrup reigns, allowing the rider to play unhindered.

Ramillies, the Regimental drum horse, and admirer! Known within the Regiment as 'Rambo', he has lived up to his nickname with a trail of broken stable doors and escape attempts!