[1][2][3][4] Prior to the War of 1812, volunteer cavalry troops were founded to support the various infantry regiments formed as part of the sedentary militia of Upper Canada.

However, due to it being a volunteer unit that would only serve one year, the light dragoons were disbanded in 1813, and replaced by the Troop of Provincial Dragoons (also known as Merritt's Troop or The Niagara Frontier Guides) under the command of its first commander Captain William Hamilton Merritt (who later helped found the creation of the First Welland Canal).

The Troop would remain in action for the remainder of the war, distinguishing itself at the battles of Stoney Creek (1813) and Lundy's Lane (1814).

[3] Following the War of 1812, these volunteer cavalry units would remain active throughout the British North American colonies, serving during the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837 against the forces of William Lyon Mackenzie.

As one of the 4 cavalry regiments of Militia District 2, the 2nd Dragoons along with The Governor General's Body Guard, the 9th Mississauga Horse and the 25th Brant Dragoons would provide detachments to form the newly raised 4th Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles for overseas service in the CEF.

During the Great Depression, the authorized strength of the regiment declined to 100 officers and men, forcing many of its members to parade without pay during this period.