Based at Fort Hood, Texas, the First Cavalry Division’s Horse Cavalry Detachment represents the U.S. Cavalry from the Indian Wars era and maintains the history, pageantry, and traditions of the mounted cavalry. Established in 1972 the Horse Detachment began with ten horses acquired from the Army Pentathlon Team. The herd herd had grown to 18 mounts by the end of 1972 and in 1973 an 1878 Escort Wagon and two mules were added. The Detachment now has two commissioned officers, 29 enlisted soldiers, and one Department of the Army civilian, whose post is that of Trainer and Stablemaster. The unit’s stables now house 40 horses, nine mules, and one dog. In order to be completely self-sufficient, enlisted members are sent to advanced civilian-run school programs to become farriers, saddlemakers, and bootmakers for the Detachment.
The cavalry demonstration lasts about 30 minutes and exhibits the skill and precision required of a mounted trooper. It includes drill maneuvers at the walk, trot, and gallop followed by demonstrations of the use of the Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber, M1873 Colt Revolver ("the Peacemaker"), and the M1873 Springfield Trapdoor-Model Carbine. The unit prides itself in its ability to put on a show that not only replicates the Cavalryman of the 1880s but is also highly entertaining.
Unfortunately,because of equipment problems we were only able to photograph a portion of the demonstration. We’ll add more when we get a chance to shoot them again.
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