Reiters, Soldiers, Dragoons and Hussars. Paget commanded the second line formed by the 4th Light Dragoons and the 8th Hussars. In January 1777 four regiments of light dragoons were raised. Horse regiments (cavalry, light dragoons, and horse artillery) wore white-metal buttons and lace. The new military organization also presaged the creation of regiments of cavalry and dragoons. These battalions were supported by Hautefeuille's 12 squadrons of dismounted dragoons. Starting in 1756, seven regiments of Light Dragoons were raised. The Portuguese Army still maintains two units which are descended from former regiments of dragoons. The 2nd U.S. Dragoons, and the U.S. Mounted Riflemen followed in 1836 and 1846 respectively. British doctrine tended to favour the use of medium cavalry, and light dragoons. Musketeers fought in battle both on foot as infantry and on horseback as dragoons. Regiment of (Light) Dragoons (Lancers). The 1st Royal Dragoons was a line regiment. A total of 634 Spanish sailors, marines and dismounted dragoons were captured. The regiment's history began in 1678, when three independent troops of Scots Dragoons were raised.