The Light Cavalry are primarily based at Armoury House in London with horses stabled in Windsor Great Park.

Apart from its military duties, the Light Cavalry formed the official mounted escort for the Lord Mayor of the City of London.

Its chief proponent was Major Gerald Flint-Shipman, an officer in the Territorial Army Royal Green Jackets and non-regimental member of the HAC, who became its first commander.

A Royal Warrant granted by Elizabeth II in 2004 tasks the Light Cavalry with providing a ceremonial bodyguard for the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of the City of London.

Other duties include providing mounted and dismounted guards of honour for members of the royal family, civic dignitaries including the lord mayor and lady mayoress, City of London Livery Companies, as well as other institutions, equestrian events, balls, dinners, and film premieres.