With the shortage on Imperial forces in the early preparations for the Zulu Wars, the Natal Native Horse was raised by Durnford in 1878.

Mostly the men were poorly equipped and armed except for the Edendale Contingent, 128 strong, from the Edendale Mission, all mounted and uniformed at their own expense. They were issued with Martini-Henry carbines and carried a holder of spears.

They saw action at Isandhlwana, Kambula, and Hlobane. Prior to the Ulundi battle they skirmished, and during the battle were inside the square firing from their saddles.