Hostilities between Great Britain and her North American Colonies commenced in 1775, and the rugged valleys and trackless forests which became the theatre of this war, were not adapted for the operations of heavy dragoons. The necessity of having a greater proportion of light cavalry had become apparent, and in 1776, the Fourteenth, which were then in Ireland, were constituted a corps of Light Dragoons. The standard height for men and horses was reduced; the cocked hats were replaced by helmets; arms and appointments of a lighter description were adopted, and in the annual army list for 1777, the regiment was designated, "The Fourteenth Light Dragoons."
1778
In 1778, Major-General Warde was removed to the first Irish horse, now fourth dragoon guards, and was succeeded in the colonelcy of the Fourteenth light dragoons, by Major-General Robert Sloper.
1784
In 1784 the clothing of the light dragoon regiments was changed from scarlet to dark blue; and the following orders were issued on this subject, dated—
Adjutant General's Office,
Dublin, 18th May, 1784.
'His Majesty's pleasure having been signified to the Lord Lieutenant, that the clothing of the light dragoon regiments shall hereafter be made in conformity to the following regulations, it is the Commander-in-Chief's order that the said regulations be observed accordingly.'
Regulations for the Clothing of the Light Dragoons.
The clothing of a private light dragoon is to consist of a jacket, shell, under-waistcoat, and leather breeches.