Editing Eridani Light Horse

{{Update Needed|[[Historical: War of 3039]]|[[Operational Turning Points: Falcon Incursion]]|[[The Wars of Reaving]]|[[Lethal Heritage]]|[[Technical Readout: 3050]]|[[Era Report: 3145]]|[[The Hunters]]|[[Combat Manual: Mercenaries]]|[[Dagger Point]]||[[Shrapnel_(magazine)#Issue_1|Shrapnel (magazine) #1]]}}
{{otheruses|the mercenary command|the series of novellas|Eridani Light Horse Chronicles}}

{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand
| image = [[File:Eridani_Light_Horse_logo_3062.jpg|150px|Insignia of the Eridani Light Horse]]
| Designation = Eridani Light Horse
| Formed = [[2702]]
| Disbanded = 
| Previous Designation = Third Regimental Combat Team
| Nickname = 
| Affiliation = [[Star League]];<br/>[[Mercenary]]
| Parent Command = [[XI Corps (Star League)|XI Corps]];<br/>Independent
| Sub-Command =[[71st Light Horse Regiment|71st Light Horse]],<br/>[[151st Light Horse Regiment|151st Light Horse]],<br/>[[19th Striker Regiment|19th Striker]],<br/>[[21st Striker Regiment|21st Striker]],<br/>[[19th Cavalry Regiment|19th Cavalry]]
}}
The '''Eridani Light Horse''' is one of the largest and oldest [[mercenary unit]]s in the [[Inner Sphere]]. The unit has strong traditions and predates the fall of the [[Star League]].

==History==
===Formation===
The Eridani Light Horse trace their history back to 2702 when the '''Third Regimental Combat Team''' (called an RCT) was formed. The unit consisted of four regiments - two Striker regiments and two Light Horse regiments.<ref name=FMCSp84>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 84</ref>

===Earning their name===
In [[2749]], the commander of the Third RCT was assassinated by the Prince of Rasalhague. The unit immediately mobilized and occupied the major cities on all the worlds in their district. When the Prince sent troops to the city of Eridani on [[Trondheim (FRR)|Trondheim]], the Third RCT repelled them easily. A journalist, sympathetic to the Third RCT, reported that the RCT forces had scattered the Prince's forces "like spirited Eridani stallions chasing after fat, clumsy Luthien cows." After the public embarrassment, the Prince had no choice but to prosecute the assassins; the unit's appellation stuck.<ref name=MH_68ELH>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 68: "The Eridani Light Horse"</ref>

As the primary response force of XI Corps, the Eridani Light Horse received priority for new equipment.<ref name=FMSLDF_190>''Field Manual: SLDF'', p. 190: "XI Corps"</ref> By [[2764]], the Eridani Light Horse became known for their battlefield diplomacy. They were able to convince multiple pirates, raiders, and insurgents to surrender to them rather than the [[DCMS]]. As a result the number of actual pirate raids (not counting House units disguised as pirates to raid each other) had dropped to almost zero. However, despite the Eridani Light Horse's diplomatic approach, the RCT were still capable of swiftly destroying an enemy force that would not surrender.<ref name=FMSLDF_190/>

===Hegemony Campaign===
Following the death of the [[First Lord]] the unit saw extensive action in the [[Periphery]]. However, once the unit learned of [[Stefan Amaris]]'s treachery, the unit decided to act against the Usurper. Colonel [[Ezra Bradley]], the unit commander realized that direct assault against Amaris would not be possible, so he adopted a policy of raiding some of the weaker worlds near [[Terra]] to disrupt the Usurper's defenses.<ref name=MH_68AU>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 68: "Against the Usurper"</ref> Following the SLDF conquest of the Rim Worlds Republic, General [[Aaron DeChavilier]] initiated Operation INTRUDER, ordering the five remaining RCTs (including the Third RCT) to launch reconnaissance raids into occupied Hegemony territory.  They avoided planets with [[Space Defense System]]s, launching attacks against isolated Republican forces, and providing relief supplies to civilians and resistance movements.<ref name=HLoTv1_116_117>''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1'', pp. 116‒117: "Never Give Up"</ref> Among the supply missions the Eridani Light Horse conducted (with the aid of the Secret Fleet) were to [[Carver V]], where three marine regiments had been holding out against Amaris forces since the coup.<ref name=SLp171>''The Star League'', p. 171: "Atlas of the Terran Hegemony: Carver V"</ref><ref name=HLoTv1_140>''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1'', p. 140: "On the Outside, Looking In"</ref>

A few weeks after the start of Operation INTRUDER, [[Coordinator of Worlds|Coordinator]] [[Minoru Kurita (28th c.)|Minoru Kurita]] expelled the Third RCT from the Draconis Combine.<ref name=SLp88/><ref name=HLoTv1_116_117/> Lacking a permanent base, the Third RCT operated from the other four member states, but primarily worked out of Marik space. In May of 2771, the 19th Striker launched a raid on the city of Amity on the planet [[Talitha]]. Unbeknownst to the Light Horse, a traitor had relayed information to Amaris and the regiment met three heavy regiments. The 19th Striker regiment was completely destroyed in the ensuing battle. "Avenge the 19th" became a rallying cry among the SLDF.<ref name=HLoTv1_116_117/>

Operation CHIEFTAIN, the liberation of the Terran Hegemony began 14 July 2772.<ref name=HLoTv1_118>''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1'', p. 118: "Returning Home"</ref> For Operation CHIEFTAIN, the Third RCT was attached to the Twentieth Army Group, which was part of Task Force Commonwealth.<ref name=HLoTv1_120>''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1'', p. 120: "Operation CHIEFTAIN: Star League Defense Forces Order of Battle"</ref> Twentieth Army Group was assigned to the liberation of the Hegemony's Lone Star Province.<ref name=HLoTv1_122>''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1'', p. 122: "When the Hammer Falls"</ref> In October 2772, the 71st Light Horse Regiment was temporarily attached to V Corps and fought in the liberation of [[Zebebelgenubi]].<ref name=NGH_CoI>''No Greater Honor: Conflicts of Interest''</ref> The Eridani Light Horse then took part in the liberation of [[Lyons]] and [[Imbros III]].<ref name=NGH_CoI/>

In 2773, the Third RCT volunteered to assist the marines defending Carver V until a full SLDF liberation force arrived on 4 June 2775.<ref name=HLoTv2_43>''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2'', p. 43: "Additional Operations: Carver V"</ref><ref name=NGH_CoI/> The Eridani Light Horse continued to fight in Hegemony Campaign, including in the liberation of Terra itself.<ref name=MH_68AU/>

===The Exodus===
In the chaos that followed the elimination of Amaris, the Light Horse returned to the Rasalhague district awaiting orders from [[Aleksandr Kerensky|General Kerensky]]. They received orders to join the other [[Star League Defense Force]] units in leaving the [[Inner Sphere]]. The Light Horse's attachment to the area was stronger than its loyalty to Kerensky and they decided to remain—only a few lances of the RCT left with the other SLDF units. It is said that the 80th Heavy Cavalry Battalion, once commanded by Kerensky himself, took only thirty minutes before deciding to stay.<ref name=MH_68FSW>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 68: "The First Succession War"</ref>

On the day that Kerensky and the others departed, the members of the unit gathered and observed a moment of silence. They took down the flag of the Star League and lowered the Third Regimental Combat Team's standard to half-staff. Even through the Fourth Succession War, the unit maintained the tradition, requiring that one flagpole at the headquarters remain bare for the future Star League flag and that the unit's flag stay at half-staff.<ref name=MH_68FSW/>

===First Succession War===
Following the Exodus, the political situation in the Inner Sphere degraded as each of the five houses vied to be selected as First Lord. The unit tried to remain as independent as possible, but Minoru Kurita threatened to cut off all trade with the unit, forcing it into a mutual defense and nonaggression pact.<ref name=MH_68FSW/><ref name=FMCS_85IC>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 85: "Into Chaos"</ref> When Minoru Kurita was slain in a failing campaign against the [[Federated Suns]], his psychotic son, [[Jinjiro Kurita]] became Coordinator. Jinjiro had avenged his father's death by massacring fifty million civilians on [[Kentares IV]] in what has been called the [[Kentares Massacre]].<ref>''Handbook: House Kurita'', p. 41: History of the Nation - The First Succession War - Unforgiving Blood"</ref><ref>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', pp. 58–59: "History - First Succession War - The Massacre"</ref><ref>''First Succession War'', pp. 86–88: "Bloody Kentares"</ref>

Upon learning of the Massacre, the Eridani Light Horse began planning to leave. By June of [[2798]], most of the unit had started to move off-world. The 8th Recon and 50th Heavy Cavalry Battalions were awaiting the departure of their dependents from [[Sendai]]<ref name=MH_69E>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 69: "Evacuation"</ref> when they learned that the administrator of the planet had taken the families hostage unless the 8th Recon and 50th Heavy Cavalry surrendered and turned themselves over to him. The units refused and, when the deadline passed, the administrator had all of the hostages executed. Once the 8th Recon and 50th Heavy Cavalry found out, they immediately returned to Sendai. There, in a [[Battle of Sendai (2798)|week-long campaign]], the battalions hunted down and slaughtered every political officer and [[Draconis Combine]] [[BattleMech|'Mech]] they could find. Support forces from the Combine appeared but, once they learned of the administrator's actions, they quickly withdrew. When the battalions reunited with the main Eridani Light Horse forces, the unit commanders tendered their resignations to Colonel Bradley for acting without orders, but he refused to accept them.<ref name=MH_69E/> News of the execution of the Light Horse dependents caused other mercenaries units to abandon their contracts and flee the Combine, and a few switched sides by signing on with the Federated Suns.<ref>''First Succession War'', p. 92: "The First AFFS Counteroffensive: Beating Back the Dragon"</ref> Following Sendai, the 50th Heavy Cavalry and 8th Recon Battalions became responsible for protecting the unit's dependents.<ref name=MH_69E/>

Some Eridani Light Horse members left after Sendai to settle on [[Szepes]] and avoid further conflict.<ref>''Breach''</ref>

The unit relocated to the [[Free Worlds League]] where they were granted a place to stay while the details of a contract were negotiated. Colonel Bradley accepted the terms offered by the Free Worlds League and the unit stayed within the League throughout the [[First Succession War|First]] and [[Second Succession War|Second Succession Wars]], providing strong offensive capabilities to the League.<ref name=MH_69E/><ref name=FMCS_85TEATH>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 85: "The Eagle and the Horse"</ref>

===Second Succession War===
The Eridani Light Horse fought in several Marik offensives during the Second Succession War. They fought against the Lyrans on [[Ilion]], [[Dieudonné]], [[Irian]], and [[Megrez]].<ref name=MH_69E/><ref name=FMCS_85TEATH/> They also defended [[Danais]] from a Kurita attack.<ref name=MH_69E/>

According to [[Paladin of the Republic|Paladin]] Constance McGuire's [[Second Succession War (sourcebook)|history of the Second Succession War]], in [[2853]], [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] [[Charles Marik (29th c.)|Charles Marik]] ordered the Eridani Light Horse to attack [[Circinus]], capital of the [[Circinus Federation]], a [[Bandit Kingdom]]. The Captain-General saw a chance to both eliminate both the threat of [[Black Warriors]] raids against the Free Worlds League and to use Circinus as a base to launch raids against the Lyran Commonwealth. The Twenty-first Striker Regiment defeated the Black Warriors with a preemptive strike on their DropShips and barracks. The planetary government capitulated, but formally protested the League's "illegal occupation" of Circinus.<ref name=SSW_70>''Second Succession War'', p. 72: "The Occupation of Circinus (2853)"</ref> Other accounts claimed the majority of the Black Warriors were not on Circinus when the Eridani Light Horse occupied the planet, and these Black Warriors did not return until after the Light Horse's departure, nearly ten years later.<ref name=FMP_99>''Field Manual: Periphery'', p. 99: Circinus Federation: Light Horse Occupation</ref>

In reality, the Free Worlds League decided to offer the Black Warriors a raiding contract if they worked alongside the Eridani Light Horse. Also, at that time the Circinus Federation had a reputation of being a pacifist agricultural society, and was not considered a Bandit Kingdom.<ref name=DD>''Dying Dignity''</ref> As a former Star League unit, the Black Warriors welcomed the ELH to Circinus.<ref name=FMP_99/> The Black Warriors, under Colonel Angelica Cirion, and the Seventy-first Light Horse Regiment, under Colonel Pro-Tem Idiris Majed, then engaged in several joint raids against the Lyran Commonwealth.<ref name=FMP_99/><ref name=DD/>

However, during a raid on [[Biloela]] in April of 2853, Colonel Pro-Tem Majed discovered the Black Warriors robbing banks in the city of Arke's Bounty, and even fired a warning shot. Colonel Cirion admitted that her people were stealing, but insisted they needed to do so to survive and that they were fulfilling their contract with the Free Worlds League by disrupting Lyran border worlds. In July of that year on [[Starshine]], the Black Warriors broke off a battle with the [[Sixth Arcturan Guards]] to engage in a "secondary mission", ''i.e.'', piracy. Instead of fighting the Sixth Arcturan alone, Colonel Pro-Tem Majed arranged a truce with the Lyrans while the Seventy-first Light Horse attacked the Black Warriors' 'Mechs and disabled their DropShips. The surviving Black Warriors were marooned on an island on Starshine and later captured by the Sixth Arcturan. Upon the Seventy-first's return to Circinus, Colonel Bradley decided to bide his time and remain on Circinus until the Light Horse could control the story. Therefore, he kept the battle on Starshine a secret, continued to fulfill the ELH's contract with House Marik to raid Lyran worlds, and worked alongside the rest of the Black Warriors, with the understanding that further acts of piracy would not be tolerated.<ref name=DD/> The ELH finally departed Circinus in [[2862]], which is when they publicly revealed the Black Warriors' history of piracy as grounds for their withdrawal. Since then, the Warriors have held a deep hatred toward the Light Horse.<ref name=FMP_99/> The Free Worlds League occupation of the Circinus Federation ended in [[2871]].<ref name=SSW_70/> The Black Warriors may have been responsible for the raid against the Light Horse that same year.<ref name=FMP_99/>

===Third Succession War===
When the [[Third Succession War]] flared up in [[2866]], the Free Worlds League, pleased by the unit's performance, offered to improve the contract by offering access to League supply centers and titles to the officers. Many in the unit thought this was a betrayal of the Star League ideals they held dear. The leader of the dissenters, Major Johnson, was unable to come to an agreement with Colonel [[William Bronson]] and led all but a few officers and lances out to the Periphery. Colonel Bronson, meanwhile, moved his force just outside the borders of the League and began to recruit less desirable elements into his forces.

The core of the Eridani Light Horse moved to the Periphery and eventually had to resort to farming to meet their needs. A raid in [[2871]] demonstrated to the unit leaders how desperate they were. They decided to seek employment with a house, provided that the house would uphold the honor and integrity of the Star League. The now Colonel Johnson was tasked with traveling to the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] to seek employment. The [[Archon]] agreed to all of the unit's terms, including a clause providing for control of a planet to house the unit's dependents. Colonel Johnson died while the unit moved from the Periphery to its new home of [[New Karlsruh]]. Jennifer Dirkson, his successor, adopted the rank of Brevet General to indicate command of all three of the unit's regiments while also demonstrating a willingness to resign should the unit members feel she was acting in too mercenary of a manner. Interestingly, the 82nd Heavy Cavalry Battalion eventually held [[St. John]], one of the Eridani Light Horse's former charges from the Star League era.<ref name=MH_69RTD>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 69: "Return to Duty"</ref>

The unit served admirably from [[2872]]<ref name="HKp75">''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 75: "Military Hotspots"</ref> to 2945, providing strong support against encroachment by the Draconis Combine. In 2900, the 151st Light Horse Regiment landed on [[Radalah]] and quickly captured several cities on the planet. The 151st had been expecting only a small garrison, but soon was faced with a larger force: the elite [[Third Proserpina Hussars]]. The Hussars managed to cut off the unit's two recon battalions from the 50th Heavy Cavalry encamped at New Freisburg. The recon lances conducted a series of hit-and-run attacks, aimed at weakening the Hussars. Eventually the tactics paid off and the 50th Heavy Cavalry were able to break the siege of New Freisburg and depart the planet. The recon battalions' clever tactics against the much heavier Hussars earned it the nickname ''The Dark Horse Regiment''.<ref name=MH_69RTD/>

The Eridani Light Horse would face the Proserpina Hussars again in [[2915]], when the Draconis Combine launched an attack on [[Tamar]] using three 'Mech regiments, including the [[Fourth Proserpina Hussars]], along with twelve regiments of armor and infantry. Defending Tamar was a mixed force consisting of the [[Stealthy Tigers]], two battalions from the Eridani Light Horse, and five [[LCAF]] infantry and armor regiments. The battle for control of Tamar would last more than seven months before the Kuritan forces withdrew.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp8">''Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition'', p. 8: "Ferret Light Scout VTOL"</ref>

Brevet General [[Jennifer Dirkson]] retired in [[2926]] and command passed to [[Montgomery Wilson]], who also took the rank of Brevet General. Wilson split up the unit into battalions and launched numerous raids against Draconis Combine worlds.

In [[2946]], the Commonwealth granted an extended leave to the unit, allowing it to recover from operations and rebuild the unit. Unfortunately for the unit, Commander Russel Bronson, son of the Light Horse's former commander, heard about the unit and, reneging on his contract to the [[Federated Suns]], launched an offensive with his unit - Bronson's Horde - against the Light Horse's command on New Karlsruh. The attack caught the Light Horse completely by surprise. With only twelve hours to prepare, the unit split up, with the 8th Recon and 50th Heavy Cavalry taking the dependents to the safety of the nearby mountains while the other five battalions spread out to prepare for the onslaught. Bronson's Horde initially gained air superiority, but the Light Horse [[aerospace fighter]]s rallied and were able to reestablish air superiority. The assault began to falter, but Bronson refused to be beaten. Gathering his forces, he sought out the Light Horse high command. Although Bronson's forces prevailed against the lighter Light Horse forces, the recon battalions soon outmaneuvered him and Bronson's 'Mech was shot out from under him by a barrage of missiles from [[Chippewa]] aerospace fighters. Bronson, unscathed despite losing his 'Mech, rallied his troops and fled off-world, vowing revenge. The entire raid was a boon to the Light Horse as they plundered a huge amount of matériel from the Horde.

In [[2978]], Loric was the subject of a significant battle between Lyran and Free Worlds League forces; both the Eridani Light Horse and the [[Twelfth Star Guards]] found themselves in the middle of the battle, with the Eridani Light Horse in urgent need of relief<ref name="TRO:3026Rp44">''Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition'', p. 44: "Engineering Vehicle"</ref> after dropping into the [[Free Worlds League Military]] rear areas to cause havoc.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp52"/>

The Twelfth Star Guards had managed to break through the main Marik lines at Digger Pass with the assistance of the Third Battalion of the [[Thirty-fourth Provisional Dixie Armored Regiment]] after four months of combat,<ref name="TRO:3026Rp52">''Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition'', p. 52: "Condor Heavy Hover Tank"</ref> but stalled at an ad hoc defensive formation of assorted League units along the Duren River, with the Marik forces keeping the Eridani Light Horse cut off from reinforcements. The Twelfth Star Guards tried using the ''[[Condor (Combat Vehicle)|Condor]]'' tanks of the 34th to breach the defensive line, the 34th having been at the forefront of the breakthrough, without success.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp44"/><ref name="TRO:3026Rp52"/>

The forces from the Thirty-fourth managed to destroy some of the disorganized Marik forces despite being unable to reach the Eridani Light Horse, and the commander of the 3rd Battalion decided to hold the bridgehead his tanks had established<ref name="TRO:3026Rp52"/> to give the Twelfth Star Guards a chance to try and break through using their engineering company and their [[Engineering Vehicle]]s to cut through the river banks and prepare the river bed for 'Mech movement, after attempts to build pontoon bridges failed due to heavy artillery bombardment and attacks from Marik aerospace fighters.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp44"/> While the Twelfth Star Guards did manage to ford the river and relieve the Light Horse, the action cost them most of their engineering cadre and three of their four engineering vehicles.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp44"/> The 3rd Battalion had managed to buy the Twelfth Star Guards valuable time by using the mobility of their ''Condors'' to concentrate highly mobile attacks on the Marik ground forces that attempted to attack the Star Guards' engineer forces directly.<ref name="TRO:3026Rp52"/>

In [[2998]], the Light Horse was involved in a planetary assault against [[Kalidasa]], a world in the Free Worlds League. The core of the assault force was three regiments from [[Hesperus II]], the site of a major [[Lyran Commonwealth]] BattleMech production facility. The 21st Striker Regiment and the 50th and 82nd Heavy Cavalry Battalions replaced the Lyran forces in the garrison. [[Marik]] launched an offensive against Hesperus II and realized that much of the world's defenders were missing. The League forces deployed nine recon companies on the planet to ascertain the strength of the defending forces. The garrison commander ordered the 21st Regiment out to destroy the enemy scouts, but the lighter and more agile Marik forces inflicted heavy damage on the Striker Regiment before the Light Horse unit could effectively engage them.

The Free Worlds League sent four more regiments to reinforce its position on the planet and again, the garrison commander ordered the Light Horse units to engage the enemy forces. This time, however, the Light Horse refused. Instead, they deployed artillery along the route the Marik forces were expected to take. The Light Horse allowed two Marik recon companies to advance through the pass and then artillery shelled the area behind the recon companies, split the force in two, and sealed the pass. The recon companies were no match for the combined Light Horse and Commonwealth 'Mechs and the forces in the pass were sitting ducks for the artillery and Light Horse forces. The Marik forces broke through and retreated back to their planethead and left world.

Eventually moods soured working under Steiner commanders, many of whom showed incredible incompetence. When contract negotiations between the Light Horse and Steiner broke down in [[2999]], Brevet General Kerston went to [[House Davion]] for a contract. A deal was inked in [[3000]] and the Light Horse left New Karlsruh for the Crucis March. Duke Davion revisited a prior Light Horse tactic and split up the unit into battalions which carried out what were primarily diversionary raids in Draconis Combine and [[Capellan Confederation]] space. In fact, some of these raids became full-scale invasions once the Light Horse units realized they could conquer the worlds themselves. As some of these raids were quite hazardous, the Federated Suns rewarded the unit with handsome bonuses.<ref name=FMCSp87>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 87</ref>

In [[3007]], they were sent to reinforce [[New Valencia]], then-homeworld of [[Wolf's Dragoons]], which was under siege by [[McCarron's Armored Cavalry]]. The Cavalry fled before the Light Horse landed, and so they never engaged the top Capellan mercenaries.  From there, they moved to [[Colchester]]<ref name=WD_10>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 10: "Attack on New Valencia"</ref>

In [[3019]], the [[New Avalon Institute of Science]] decided to place several research facilities on [[Hoff]], particularly the [[Friden Aerospace Park]] that played a crucial role in the rediscovery of several technologies including [[double heat sink]]s and the development of the ''[[Super Wasp]]'' and ''[[Super Griffin]]'' [[BattleMechs]] into prototype stage. The facility was sacked by the Black Widow Company<ref name=BT20YoAaFp87>''BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction'', p. 87: "Hoff Planet Profile"</ref> in [[3022]], even though Eridani Light Horse units tried to prevent it, even enhanced in some case with the technology being developed by the NAIS<ref name=HDp202>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 202: "Hoff"</ref> during the period in which [[Wolf's Dragoons]] were in the employ of the Draconis Combine.<ref name=BT20YoAaFp87/>

[[Wolf's Dragoons]] forces fought an engagement with the Eridani Light Horse on [[New Aberdeen]] sometime between [[3023]] and [[3025]] for three months. The [[Black Widow Company]] won a significant victory in a small skirmish against a [[company]] led by [[Captain]] [[Anton Stedman]].<ref name=TBWCp16>''Tales of the Black Widow Company'', pp. 16–17: Queen's Gambit scenario</ref>

Brevet General Kerston retired in 3023 and [[Nathan Armstrong]] succeeded him. Almost immediately the Light Horse found itself defending the planet [[Hoff]] from attack by [[Wolf's Dragoons]]. The Dragoons savaged the Light Horse forces, but they were able to turn the assault into a game of cat-and-mouse, preventing the Dragoons from seizing control of the planet. The Light Horse were able to hold off the Dragoons until Davion reinforcements arrived and drove the Dragoons from the planet. [[Hanse Davion]] was very pleased with the Light Horse's performance and allowed the unit time to rebuild itself. In the interim, the unit taught courses in Star League and Successor State history at the [[New Avalon Institute of Science]].

===Fourth Succession War===
During this war the elite brigade played a minor role. The 71st Light Horse supported the [[Third Davion Guards]], capturing the planet [[Algol]] from the Capellan Confederation. The defending [[First Ariana Fusiliers]] were no match for these experienced units.

Later on [[Kawich]], the retreating Liao forces were tasked to destroy three supply warehouses. The force, containing units from different commands, were trapped and were no match for the three defending AFFS units: the [[First Davion Guards]], [[Third Crucis Lancers]], and 21st Light Horse. The Davion defenders destroyed each task force separately.

For the rest of the war the Light Horse regiments were held in reserve to counter any assaults from the [[Capellan Confederation Armed Forces]].

===War of 3039===
Between the [[Fourth Succession War]] and the start of the [[War of 3039]], the Horsemen were transferred into the Lyran State Command of the new [[Federated Commonwealth]]. There they engaged in wargames against many [[Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces]] units, training them to use mobility in addition to sheer firepower.<ref name=FMCSp88>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 88: "Years of Quiet"</ref>

Shortly thereafter, they returned to the [[Draconis March]] of the Federated Suns. The 151st, 71st, and 21st regiments attacked [[Fellanin II]] and [[Sadalbari]] in the first wave of the war. After destroying the planet's defenders the 151st and 21st regiments continued the attack, moving into the [[Galedon Military District]] to take control of the [[Galtor Thumb]]. The 71st Light Horse remained on Fellanin II to help pacify the world and to prepare for the next wave of attacks. Due to a bureaucratic error, the other AFFS forces on the world were redeployed at the same time, leaving the 71st as Fellanin's lone defenders.<ref name=HW3039_90>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 90: "Fellanin II (August-September)"</ref>

Unfortunately [[Theodore Kurita]] had different plans, and counterattacked Fellanin II with the [[Second Arkab Legion]].<ref name=HW3039_90/> These fresh Combine troops joined forces with the remains of the [[4th Proserpina Hussars]]. The 71st Light Horse was caught boarding their [[DropShip]]s and almost totally destroyed. It would be almost a decade before the 71st was back up to full strength.<ref name=FMCSp88/> General William Petersen, commander of the Light Horse Brigade at the time, sent a scathing personal letter to [[First Prince of the Federated Suns|First Prince]] Hanse Davion regarding the incident.<ref name=HW3039_90Side>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 90: "Bureaucracy and a Culture of Excellence"</ref>

===The Clan Invasion===
During this time, it was suggested by other mercenaries that the ELH had effectively been incorporated into the [[Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth]] due to the Commonwealth's "[[Company Store]]" policies.<ref name=WP>''Wolf Pack''</ref> In addition, the Horsemen had been given positions at the prestigious [[New Avalon Institute of Science]] teaching history and tactics. This time away from the front lines allowed them to rebuild the devastated 71st Light Horse.

When the [[Clans]] invaded the [[Inner Sphere]], the hope that had sustained the Eridani Light Horse for three centuries was destroyed. Instead of leading the Sphere back to a new Golden Age, Kerensky's children were taking it by blood and force. The ELH requested, and received, a year to come to terms with the death of their dreams. In [[3052]], they reported that they were ready for combat operations and they were stationed on Sudeten as part of the AFFC response to new attacks or counterstrikes into Clan territory.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050'', p. 46</ref>

The AFFC High Command posted them to [[Kikuyu]], directly in the [[Clan Jade Falcon]] invasion corridor. The Falcons attacked the world with two [[Cluster]]s, destroying the 71st Light Horse. The 151st and 21st regiments set about rebuilding their sister unit once again. The rebuilding process ended in [[3055]], and the newly reactivated 71st Light Horse regiment repulsed every subsequent Jade Falcon attack. After facing the Clans for three years, the 71st's experience was put to good use as part of the coalition force that liberated Coventry from the Jade Falcons in [[3058]].

===The Star League Reborn and Task Force Serpent===
[[Brevet General]] [[Ariana Winston]] attended the first [[Whitting Conference]] in 3058. Thinking she would simply be reporting on the Coventry defense, she was shocked when the attendees decided to re-form the [[Star League]] and asked the Eridani Light Horse Brigade to become the first military unit of the new [[Star League Defense Force]]. Their first assignment as part of the SLDF would be facing down [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]].<ref name=FMCS_89TSL>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 89: "The Star League"</ref>

Rather than face them as part of [[Operation Bulldog]], the ELH would be traveling the [[Exodus Road]] as a part of [[Task Force Serpent]] to destroy the Jaguars in their den. By sending the Light Horse regiments to the Clan Homeworlds, the new Star League wanted to shock the Clans. Including the Light Horse was calculated to show the Clans how the descendants of the original SLDF viewed them. With Task Force Serpent attacking [[Huntress]] and other Smoke Jaguar holdings while their invasion corridor was reclaimed by military units from across the Inner Sphere, the Smoke Jaguars were hit with a body blow that ultimately destroyed them. The Light Horse, like all the Serpent forces, paid a heavy price for this success however, losing approximately 60% of their combat forces. On their way back to the Inner Sphere morale was low as the Horsemen anticipated the long decades of rebuilding their unit to its full strength.<ref name=FMCS_89R>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 89: "Renewal"</ref>

They needn't have worried though. Upon their return to the Inner Sphere, the Eridani Light Horse, like the rest of the new SLDF, was overwhelmed by new recruits. These new soldiers replaced all the Horsemen who had fallen on the Clan Homeworlds and provided enough personnel to rebuild the long-destroyed 19th Striker Regiment as well. For the first time in nearly three centuries, the Eridani Light Horse Brigade was at full strength. Shortly after commissioning the 19th Strikers, the ELH moved into a Star League base on [[Dieron]] that the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]] had refurbished for them.<ref name=FMCS_89R/>

===Capellan-St. Ives War===
In late [[3061]], the unit was sent by [[Victor Ian Steiner-Davion]] as peacekeepers to assist the [[St. Ives Compact]] in the [[Capellan-St. Ives War]]. Despite their assistance, the Compact eventually fell against the Capellan Confederation in [[3063]].<ref name=DP>''Dagger Point''</ref>

While attempting to land on [[Milos]], the ELH Transportation Division faced the ''[[Feng Huang|Elias Jung]]'', a CCAF [[WarShip]]. This led [[Lieutenant General]] Ed Amis to request the SLDF provide WarShip support for the Light Horse. As of 3067 this had not occurred, but the ELH did take possession of several assault DropShips that mounted [[:Category:Capital Missile|capital missile]] launchers to provide some defense against WarShips.

At the same time that the ELH was deployed to Milos, the 151st regiment was dispatched to Huntress to form the SLDF garrison on that world. While there, they demonstrated the skill and prowess that made them so famous throughout the Inner Sphere. They earned the respect of all the [[Clans]] on that world, particularly [[Clan Goliath Scorpion]]. Apparently the Scorpions found the traditions of the Light Horse, one of the few "true" units of the first SLDF, absolutely fascinating.<ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'', p. 99: "Borrowed Time"</ref> After the 71st Light Horse took station on Huntress, the Scorpions transferred this curiosity to them.

===Jihad===
At the outbreak of the [[Jihad]], the 21st Striker and 19th Cavalry regiments were based at Fortress Dieron, the 71st Light Horse regiment had taken station at [[Huntress]], and the 151st Light Horse regiment was on its way back to the Inner Sphere after serving as the SLDF garrison on Huntress.

The 21st Striker and 19th Cavalry regiments were trapped on Dieron by a Word of Blake blockade. Trapped in Fort Winston they were at ground zero for the Blakist assault. Approximately 90% of each regiment and the base were destroyed by tactical nuclear strikes. A few members of the 19th Cavalry and the Pathfinders special operations unit survived and evacuated [[Hohiro Kurita (31st c.)|Hohiro Kurita]] from Dieron in [[3070]].<ref>''Jihad Turning Points: Dieron'', p. 7: "Eridani Light Horse"</ref>  The 71st were cut off and alone in the Clan Homeworlds, and faced Trials of Possession from many Clans. The 151st had stopped at [[Columbus]] on their way back to the Inner Sphere. While the 151st was there, the planet was subjected to orbital bombardment from Blakist forces and every member of the 151st was killed.<ref name=BA_288>''Blake Ascending'', p. 288: "Columbus Falls!"</ref><ref name=JH70_128>''Jihad Hotspots: 3070'', p. 128: "Columbus Falls!"</ref>

Through the early [[Jihad]], the 71st Light Horse regiment fared the best of all the ELH units. Colonel Sandra Barclay received a challenge from the [[Clan Goliath Scorpion]] commander on Huntress for the Lootera complex and all the troops stationed there. Unlike the previous Trials the 71st fought, this time they were defeated. According to an after action report, the Scorpions didn't follow ''[[zellbrigen]]'' in their Trial with the Light Horse, which may explain the 71st's defeat.<ref name=BA_288OO>''Blake Ascending'', p. 288: "Over and Out"</ref><ref name=JH70_128OO>''Jihad Hotspots: 3070'', p. 128: "Over and Out"</ref>

The majority of the survivors were taken as ''[[Abtakha|abtakha]]'' and formed the basis of two new light Clusters, the [[1st Eridani Lancers (Clan Goliath Scorpion)|1st Eridani Lancers]]<ref name=WR_96>''The Wars of Reaving'', p. 96: "Sandbagging the Breach"</ref> and the [[2nd Eridani Lancers (Clan Goliath Scorpion)|Second Eridani Lancers]].<ref name=WR_91>''The Wars of Reaving'', p. 91: "Death Rides Forth"</ref> Both units were destroyed in action between [[3072]]–[[3073]], during the [[Society]] uprising.  The remaining personnel of the 71st, primarily the command staff and most talented [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]], were scattered throughout [[Clan Goliath Scorpion]] primarily, with a few taken as ''[[Isorla|isorla]]'' by other Clans.<ref name=WR_192>''The Wars of Reaving'', p. 192: "Ariel Suvorov"</ref> By the eve of the [[Hanseatic Crusade]] in [[3141]], the 71st Scorpion Uhlans Cluster within [[Tau Galaxy (Escorpión Imperio)|Tau Galaxy]] would be the home of the surviving descendants of the absorbed Eridani Light Horse's 71st Light Horse Regiment personnel after the Wars of Reaving and the Clan's Abjuration.<ref>''Operational Turning Points: Hanseatic Crusade'', pp. 20–22: Combatants</ref>

===Dark Age===
The Eridani Light Horse had survived the Jihad, but severely weakened. When the [[Blackout]] came, a portion of the force was garrisoning [[Woodstock]].<ref>''Technical Readout: Irregulars'', p. 48: "''Burrower/Ground Pounder'' MODs"</ref> By September/October [[3144]] the Light Horse, then one regiment strong and led by Lieutenant General Eichler, was contracted (along with other mercenary units) by the Lyran Commonwealth to protect its valuable factories on [[Hesperus II]] against the upcoming attack between Clan Hell's Horses and Clan Jade Falcon. When both Clan forces appeared in [[3145]], they moved to defend the planet along with a mix of forces: other mercenaries, the local militia, and a company from the [[Third Royal Guards]]. The planetary militia and Royal Guards abandoned the world after putting up just a token resistance, leaving the mercenaries to face the full brunt of the attack. When the Light Horse and the other mercenaries moved to Defiance Industries to take shelter there, they were refused entry. The band of mercenary units then attempted to surrender to [[Clan Jade Falcon]], but were cut down. Without alternative, the Light Horse troops made for Maria's Elegy, trying to reach their DropShips, but were foiled by the [[Raptor Keshik]].

A few surviving Light Horse warriors escaped into the mountains, only to be hunted down to the last soldier by the Falcons. To the best of the [[Republic of the Sphere|Republic of the Sphere's]] knowledge, none survived.<ref name=ER3145p28>''Era Report: 3145'', pp. 28–29: "Archon's Trial"</ref>

===ilClan Era and Rebirth===
The ELH, however, had not disappeared: there were at least five more mercenary groups claiming the ELH's heritage, though the strongest claim was from the Eleventh Recon Battalion of the 71st, a very professional and elitist unit.<ref>''No Greater Honor'' ''Strong as Steel'', p. 267</ref>

On 21 March 3151, the Eleventh was stationed on the [[Mirach]] when they received an envoy of First Prince [[Julian Davion]] offering the Eleventh's leader, Colonel [[Amelia Donovan]], a deal in assisting the rebirth of the ELH and a contract with the Suns if she managed to reunite most of the other claimants.<ref>''No Greater Honor'' ''Strong as Steel'', p. 269</ref>

After an attack by another claimant leader and under orders from Combine Warlord [[Matsuhari Toranaga]], Donovan managed to convince at least three more groups to join her own, thus resurrecting the ELH and making her their new lieutenant general. The next day, the bulk of the now-reunited ELH departed from Mirach to begin their first contract, protecting the Federated Suns.<ref>''Strong as Steel'', pp. 297–298</ref>

The ELH was sent to [[Mayetta]], where it was expected to fight against other mercenary units working for the Combine, at least initially.<ref>''The Damocles Sanction'' p. 21</ref>

==Officers==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name
! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command
|-
| colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Eridani Light Horse'''
|-
| [[Colonel]]||[[Ezra Bradley]]||[[2771]] - [[2784]]<ref name=SLp88>''The Star League'', p. 88: "Preparations and Negotiations"</ref><ref name=HKDCMp52>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', p. 52: "The First Succession War"</ref>
|-
|Colonel||[[William Bronson]]||[[2866]] - [[2869]]<ref name=FM:Mp47>''Field Manual: Mercenaries'', p. 47</ref>
|-
| Colonel||Johnson||2869 - [[2872]]
|-
| [[Brevet General]]||[[Jennifer Dirkson]]||2872 - [[2926]]
|-
| Brevet General||[[Montgomery Wilson]]||2926 -
|-
| Brevet General||Kerston||[[2998]] - [[3023]]<ref name=EW>''Endless War''</ref>
|-
| Brevet General||[[Nathan Armstrong]]||3023 - [[3039]]
|-
| Brevet General||[[William Erik Peterson]]||3039 - [[3045]]
|-
| Brevet General||[[Ariana Winston]]||3045 - [[3060]]
|-
| [[Lieutenant General]]||[[Edwin Amis]]||3060 -
|-
| Lieutenant General||[[Wilfred Eichler]]|| - [[3145]]<ref name=ER3145p28/>
|-
| Lieutenant General||[[Amelia Donovan]]||[[3151]] -<ref>''No Greater Honor'', pp. 297–298</ref>
|}

==Tactics==
Different per Unit.

==Composition History==
===2702===
'''3rd Regimental Combat Team'''
:* CO:<ref name=FMCSp84/>
*[[71st Light Horse Regiment]]
*[[151st Light Horse Regiment]]
*[[19th Striker Regiment]]
*[[21st Striker Regiment]]

===2771===
'''3rd Regimental Combat Team'''
:* CO: Colonel Ezra Bradley<ref name=SLp88>''The Star League'', p. 88: "Preparations and Negotiations"</ref>
*71st Light Horse Regiment
*151st Light Horse Regiment
*19th Striker Regiment
*21st Striker Regiment

===3025===
'''Eridani Light Horse'''
:*CO: Brevet General Nathan Armstrong<ref name=MHp74>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 74: "Personnel Roster"</ref>
:'''High Command'''<ref name=MHp74/>
::'''Command Lance'''
::: ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'', ''[[Archer]]'', ''[[Phoenix Hawk]]''
::'''Support and Transportation Group'''
:::''JumpShip Group''
::::3 ''[[Monolith]]s''
::::3 ''[[Star Lord (JumpShip class)|Star Lord]]s''
::::6 ''[[Invader]]s''
:::''DropShip Group''
::::5 ''[[Overlord]]s''
::::10 ''[[Union]]s''
::::1 ''[[Leopard]]''
::::1 ''[[Excalibur (DropShip class)|Excalibur]]''
::::3 ''[[Gazelle]]s''
::::2 ''[[Triumph]]s''
::'''Supply and Technical Group'''
::: 602 squads of support personnel
* '''71st Light Horse Regiment (White Horse Regiment)'''<ref name=HDFSp139>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 146 (p. 148 PDF): "Mercenary Units Currently Employed By the AFFS"</ref><ref name=MHp74/>
* '''151st Light Horse Regiment (Dark Horse Regiment)'''<ref name=HDFSp139/><ref name=MHp74/><ref name=MHp79>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 79: "Personnel Roster"</ref>
* '''21st Striker Regiment (Winston's Moonrakers)'''<ref name=HDFSp139/><ref name=MHp77>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 77: "Personnel Roster"</ref>

===3040===
'''Eridani Light Horse'''
* '''71st Light Horse Regiment'''<ref name=HWO3039>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 140: Deployment Table"</ref>
* '''21st Striker Regiment'''<ref name=HWO3039/>
* '''151st Horse Regiment'''<ref name=HWO3039/>

===3050===
'''Eridani Light Horse'''
:*CO: General Ariana Winston<ref name=20YU-24>''20 Year Update'', p. 24: "Terra Firma Operations Area"</ref>
* '''71st Light Horse Regiment'''<ref name=20YU-24/>
:*CO: Colonel Cleveland Alfieri<ref name=20YU-24/>
* '''21st Striker Regiment'''<ref name=20YU-24/>
:*CO: Colonel [[Edwin Amis]]<ref name=20YU-24/>
* '''151st Light Horse Regiment'''<ref name=20YU-24/>
:*CO: Colonel Charles Antonescu<ref name=20YU-24/>

===3054===
'''Eridani Light Horse'''
:*CO: [Brevet] General Ariana Winston<ref name=MWobraidp22>''Objective Raids'', p. 22: "Pasig Operations Area"</ref>
* '''21st Striker Regiment''' (2 Battalions/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=MWobraidp22/>
:*CO: Colonel Edwin Amis<ref name=MWobraidp22/>
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Kikuyu]].<ref name=MWobraidp22/>
* '''151st Light Horse Regiment''' (Regiment/Elite/Fanatical)<ref name=MWobraidp22/>
:*CO: Colonel Charles Antonescu<ref name=MWobraidp22/>
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Mogyorod]].<ref name=MWobraidp22/>

===3060===
'''Eridani Light Horse'''
:* CO/'''Command Company''' (Company/Elite): General Ariana Winston<ref name=TotCp9>''Twilight of the Clans'', p. 9: "Task Force Serpent Composition"</ref><ref name=TotCp14>''Twilight of the Clans'', p. 14</ref><ref name=TotCp53>''Twilight of the Clans'', p. 53: "BattleForce Roster List: Eridani Light Horse"</ref><ref>''Sword and Fire'', chs. 17, 22</ref>
* '''71st Light Horse Regiment (White Horse Regiment)''' (Reinforced Regiment/Regular)<ref name=TotCp9/><ref name=TotCp44>''Twilight of the Clans'', p. 44: "Conquest of Huntress: Attacker" sidebar</ref><ref name=TotCp53>''Twilight of the Clans'', p. 53: "BattleForce Roster List: Eridani Light Horse"</ref>
:* CO: Colonel Sandra Barclay<ref name=Hunters3>''The Hunters'', ch. 3</ref>
* '''21st Striker Regiment''' (Reinforced Regiment/Veteran)<ref name=TotCp9/><ref name=TotCp45>''Twilight of the Clans'', p. 45: "Conquest of Huntress: Attacker" sidebar</ref><ref name=TotCp55>''Twilight of the Clans'', p. 55: "BattleForce Roster List: Eridani Light Horse"</ref>
:*CO: Colonel Edwin Amis<ref name=Hunters3/>
* '''151st Light Horse Regiment (Dark Horse Regiment)''' (Reinforced Regiment/Elite)<ref name=TotCp9/><ref name=TotCp45/><ref name=TotCp54>''Twilight of the Clans'', p. 54: "BattleForce Roster List: Eridani Light Horse"</ref>
:*CO: Colonel Charles Antonescu<ref name=Hunters3/>

===3062===
'''Eridani Light Horse'''<ref name=FMCS_127>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 127: "Table of Organization and Equipment: Star League Defense Force"</ref>
:*CO/'''ELH High Command''' (Company/Elite/Fanatical): 
:** Lieutenant General Edwin Amis<ref name=FMCS_92>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 92: "Command and Transport Division"</ref>
:*** XO: Major [[Beverly Jana]]
: Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Kittery]].<ref name=FMCS_127/>
* '''Pathfinders''' (Company/Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=FMCS_92/>
:*CO: Captain [[William Kyle]]<ref name=FMCS_92/>
* '''Transport Division''' (Expanded Regiment/Regular/Fanatical)<ref name=FMCS_92/>
:*CO: Rear Admiral [[David Natale|David "The Captain" Natale]]<ref name=FMCS_92/>
:Note: The ELH Transport Division was composed of 15 JumpShips and 31 DropShips.<ref name=FMCS_92/>
* '''71st Light Horse Regiment (White Horse Regiment)''' (Understrength Regiment/Regular/Reliable)<ref name=FMCS_93>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 93: "71st Light Horse Regiment"</ref>
:*CO: Colonel Sandra Barclay<ref name=FMCS_93/>
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Dieron]].<ref name=FMCS_127/>
* '''21st Striker Regiment (Four Horsemen)''' (Understrength Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=FMCS_95>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 95: "21st Striker Regiment"</ref>
:*CO: Colonel Eveline Eicher<ref name=FMCS_95/>
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Kittery.<ref name=FMCS_127/>
* '''151st Light Horse Regiment (Dark Horse Regiment)''' (Understrength Regiment/Veteran/Questionable)<ref name=FMCS_94>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 94: "151st Light Horse Regiment"</ref>
:*CO: Colonel Charles Antonescu<ref name=FMCS_94/>
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Kittery.<ref name=FMCS_127/>
* '''[[19th Cavalry Regiment]] (The Equine Phoenix)''' (2 Battalions/Regular/Fanatical)<ref name=FMCS_96>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 96: "19th Cavalry Regiment"</ref>
:*CO: Colonel Paul Calvin<ref name=FMCS_96/>
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Kittery.<ref name=FMCS_127/>

===3067===
'''Eridani Light Horse'''<ref name=FMUp100>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 100: "Star League Defense Force Deployment Table"</ref>
:*CO/'''ELH High Command''' (Company/Elite/Fanatical): Lieutenant General Edwin Amis<ref name=FMUp100/>
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Dieron.<ref name=FMUp100/>
* '''71st Light Horse Regiment (White Horse Regiment)''' (Regiment/Veteran/Reliable)<ref name=FMUp100/>
:*CO: Colonel Sandra Barclay<ref name=FMUp100/>
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Huntress]].<ref name=FMUp100/>
* '''21st Striker Regiment (Four Horsemen)''' (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=FMUp100/>
:*CO: Colonel Eveline Eicher<ref name=FMUp100/>
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Dieron.<ref name=FMUp100/>
* '''151st Light Horse Regiment (Dark Horse Regiment)''' (Regiment/Elite/Reliable)<ref name=FMUp100/>
:*CO: Colonel Charles Antonescu<ref name=FMUp100/>
:Note: At this point in time the command was in transit to the Inner Sphere from the Clan Homeworlds.<ref>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 95: "Eridani Light Horse Brigade: 151st Light Horse Regiment"</ref><ref name=FMUp100/>
* '''19th Cavalry Regiment (The Equine Phoenix)''' (Regiment/Veteran/Fanatical)<ref name=FMUp100/>
:*CO: Colonel Paul Calvin<ref name=FMUp100/>
:Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on Dieron.<ref name=FMUp100/>

==Uniforms, Colors, and Insignia==
Each 'Mech in the unit displays the Eridani Light Horse prancing brown horse on the front of its chest and their regimental patch on the right shoulder. Below the regimental patch is the battalion symbol with the company number or patch located below that.
<gallery>
Image:Elh-vehicle-crew.png ‎|Vehicle crew member
Image:Elh-trooper.png|Troopers
Image:Ehl-tech.png|Technician
Image:Elh-mechwarrior.png|MechWarrior ‎
Image:Elh-support-insignia.png|Support Branch Insignia
Image:Elh-combat-arms.png|Combat Arms
Image:Elh-belt-buckle.png|Belt buckle ‎
Image:Elh-battle-standard.png|Battle standard
Image:Camomercseridanilighthorse.png|''[[Locust]]'' in ELH colors
</gallery> ‎
<gallery>
Image:Eridani_Light_Horse_logo_3025_CMMercs.jpg|Unit Crest ca. [[3025]]
Image:Eridani_Light_Horse_logo_alternate_3025.png|Alternate Unit Crest, ca. 3025
Image:elhtransport.png|Transport Division
Image:elh19thcavalry.png|19th Cavalry Regiment
Image:elh21ststrikerreg.png|21st Striker Regiment
Image:elh71stlight.png|71st Light Horse Regiment
Image:elh151stlight.png|151st Light Horse Regiment
</gallery>

==Unit Notes==
*Unit traditions:
::○ Unlike other mercenary units, which traditionally have two flagpoles at their headquarters flying both the unit flag and the flag of their employer, the Eridani Light Horse have a standing contractual clause that allows them to keep one of the poles bare in memory of the dissolution of the Star League and the other to fly their own unit and regimental colors at half-mast.
::○ The commander of the Eridani Light Horse takes the rank of Brevet General, indicating command of the three regiments as well as embracing the commitment to the Star League values the unit holds dear.
::○ In memorial of the loss of the 19th Striker Regiment, whenever the three regimental commanders meet, a fourth place is set for the absent 19th Striker commander. Additionally, retiring soldiers that have served the unit with distinction become official members of the 19th Striker Regiment and receive a pin with the 19th's symbol, a rearing bronco.
::○ On the anniversary of the Exodus, a solemn ceremony takes place at the unit's headquarters. There, the Star League flag is run up the usually bare flagpole. The unit commander then reads Colonel Bradley's communication to General Kerensky informing him of the 3rd Regimental Combat Team's decision to remain. The military band then plays the Star League anthem slowly and softly while the honor guard lowers the flag. Compare with [[Exodus Day]], a Clan holiday.

*[[:Category:Eridani Light Horse Characters|List of known Eridani Light Horse characters.]]

==Notes==
* In ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]'' and ''[[Field Manual: ComStar]]'', it is stated that the 19th Striker was destroyed in a raid on the planet [[Amity]].<ref name=MH_68AU/><ref name=FMCS_84_85TUHD>''Field Manual: ComStar'', pp. 84‒85: "The Usurper and a Horse's Death"</ref> However, in ''[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1]]'' and ''[[Conflicts of Interest|No Greater Honor: Conflicts of Interest]]'', it is stated the 19th Striker's final raid was on '''Amity City''' on the planet Talitha.<ref name=HLoTv1_116_117/><ref name=NGH_CoI/> As ''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1'' and ''No Greater Honor'' were printed after ''Field Manual: ComStar'' and ''Mercenary's Handbook'', those references take precedence.

* In ''[[The Star League]]'' it is stated that General Kerensky relieved the forces defending Carver V in 2773.<ref name=SLp171/> However, in ''[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2]]'', General Kerensky did not commit forces to relieving Carver V until 2775.<ref name=HLoTv2_43/> As ''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2'' was printed after ''The Star League'' that reference takes precedence.

* In earlier sources, on signing a contract with the Lyran Commonwealth in 2872, the Eridani Light Horse are mentioned to have received a small agricultural world called New Karlsruh in the [[Federation of Skye]] as their home base.<ref name=HSLCp66>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 66</ref> In later sources however it is clarified that New Karlsruh, which was never included as a system in maps of the [[Inner Sphere]], was in fact a city on the world of [[Auldhouse]].<ref name=THTF>''The Hand That Feeds''</ref>

==See Also==
* [[Eridani Light Horse lawsuit]]: real-world legal issues regarding the Eridani Light Horse

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
* ''[[Blake Ascending]]''
* ''[[Breach]]'' (in: [[Shrapnel (magazine)#Issue 5|''Shrapnel'', Issue 5]])
* ''[[Dagger Point]]'' (novel)
* ''[[The Damocles Sanction]]''
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]''
* ''[[Endless War]]'' (short story)
* ''[[Era Report: 3145]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: ComStar]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
* ''[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1]]''
* ''[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2]]''
* ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
* ''[[House Davion (The Federated Suns)]]''
* ''[[House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)]]''
* ''[[Jihad Turning Points: Dieron]]''
* ''[[Mercenary's Handbook]]''
* ''[[No Greater Honor]]''
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
* ''[[Shadows of War]]''
* ''[[The Star League]]''
* ''[[Sword and Fire]]'' (novel)
* ''[[Tales of the Black Widow Company]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3026, Revised Edition]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: Irregulars]]''
* ''[[The Wars of Reaving]]''
* ''[[Wolf Pack]]'' (novel)
* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''
* ''[[Wolves on the Border]]''
{{div col end}}

[[Category:Mercenary Commands|Eridani Light Horse]]
[[Category:Second Star League Defense Force Commands|Eridani Light Horse]]