Saddle of the horse of Lieutenant Percy Smith, 13th (Light) Dragoons, used in the Charge of the Light Brigade, 1854

The horse of Lieutenant Percy Smith is thought to be one of only two that went through the Charge of the Light Brigade (1854) with no injury at all. Smith himself was slightly wounded. Remarkably, he rode without a weapon in the charge.

His sword arm had been damaged in a hunting accident and he had to use an attachment made of iron in order to carry a sword. Unfortunately he could not find the device on the morning of the battle so rode without it. He was attacked by three Russian lancers but fortunately was riding a brave horse and they escaped by leaping on top of one of the enemy soldiers.