Early references to the Regiment originate from 1759, when the 20th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Light Dragoons was raised because of the expansion of the 'Light Troop' of the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons. For some reason not entirely clear, this first incarnation of the 20th Light Dragoons was disbanded in 1763, only to be resurrected sixteen years later in 1779.