The 1er Chasseurs à Cheval are a historical re-enactment light cavalry unit that recreate the cavalry of the Napoleonic period, both as French and as British. The re-enactment regiment was started in the mid 1990s as the 1er Chasseurs à Cheval de la Ligne, 5eme Companie. It very soon boasted an Elite Companie. The first Major Re-enactment was at Waterloo in 1995 and thereafter the unit recruited steadily, attending major and minor events both in the UK and around Europe. In 2000, following an internal reorganisation the Companie titles were dropped, the unit taking the full title of the Regiment, and changing the details of dress to cover mainly the period 1804 to 1808.

Members of the unit can fight mounted or dismounted as troopers carry carbines, sabres and in some cases, pistols. There is also a dismounted troop for those who do not wish to ride, or who wish to experience the feel of the unit before moving on to becoming a mounted chasseur. This also means that when the whole regiment attends a foot event it can field a strong and effective light unit.

Because of the wide variety of disciplines that are practiced, members of the unit are doing one sort of event or another throughout the whole year, whether it be training in the winter months, battles in the UK and on the Continent, battle proms concerts, and skill at arms competitions and shows. The Regiment is available to put on shows for an event which can be drill, skill at arms, a musical ride or an educational session. Both mounted and dismounted elements are incorporated in these giving everyone the opportunity to take part.

Because of the size of the mounts used there is a weight limit imposed of 15½ stone. Insurance restricts permission to fight on the field to 16 years and above but there is no maximum age limit. Recruits must have no criminal record and be able to obtain shotgun and black powder licences. Once joined, commitment to training and events is essential.