1912 Universal Pattern Saddle Equipage - Circular Mess Tin or Dixie

During WW1 the Australian Army made a great deal of use of a large number of mounted infantry (Light Horse Regiments). Universal Pattern saddles were designed to have interchangeable parts, making them easy to repair. A number of accoutrements were designed to attach to the saddle. Leather saddle wallets went to the front of the saddle and a mess tin, horse shoe case (which was also a sword frog for the cavalry - Australians were issued a sword in 1918), and a feed bag. The horse shoe carrier was issued with each soldier with a saddle. Other personal equipment found its way onto the saddle. According to an ex-light horseman, once the other blanket, greatcoat and other equipment was piled up to the front and rear of the saddle seat, it was impossible to fall off.