Haras Joumhouri

The Algerian Republican Cavalry, also known as the Algerian Republican Guard is a military corps of the Algerian army.

History and purpose

The Republican Cavalry is composed of about 6,000 troops, most of which are cavalry mounted. It finds its roots in the mix of traditions of both the famous Berber cavalry, especially the Numidian cavalry and the equally famous Arab cavalry.

The Republican Cavalry's mission is to offer a stylish official display, mixing the Algerian nation's history, culture and traditions with a touch of military discipline and professionalism.

Uniform and equipment

The cavalry's uniforms reflects the national colours and traditions, and consists of green Algerian trousers known as "saroual", red shirts known as "kamisa" or "kamidja", and white long capes known as "burnous" (compare with the Algerian flag).

The troopers are also equipped with a traditional white hat bearing the coat of arms of the Algerian Republican Cavalry, and a sword. The mounted horses of the Republican Cavalry are all pure blood white-coloured Barbes and are also equipped with a harness bearing the Cavalry's coat of arms, as well as a triple ponpon (white-red-green) on their heads.

Musical unit

The Cavalry possesses a musical unit, which plays the national anthem, "Qassaman", and other national songs on official occasions such as an official visit by a foreign head of state, or during international events where military musical units gather. The musical units play many instruments including the traditional bagpipe. Below is a picture of a mounted Cavalry trooper and a dismounted trooper.