1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment
The Horse Cavalry Detachment, 1st Cavalry Division is a United States Army equestrian military unit. Posted at Fort Cavazos, Texas, it was activated in 1972 and is a subordinate unit of the 1st Cavalry Division.
| Horse Cavalry Detachment, 1st Cavalry Division | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1972 – Present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| Type | Cavalry |
| Role | Public Duties |
| Size | 40 |
| Part of | 1st Cavalry Division |
| Garrison/HQ | Fort Cavazos |
| Nickname(s) | Horse Cavalry Detachment |
| Motto(s) | "Hot to Trot!" |
| Mascot(s) | Doc Holliday (dog) [1] |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Captain Michael C. Gates |
History
In 1943, at the height of World War II, the 1st Cavalry Division disposed of its remaining horses. The Horse Cavalry Detachment was activated 29 years later, in 1972.[2] It is one of seven horse-mounted units remaining in the U.S. Army.[2][3]
In 2014 the first woman to lead the detachment, Captain Elizabeth R. Rascon, assumed command.[4][5]
Mission
The mission of the Horse Cavalry Detachment is to support the 1st Cavalry Division and Fort Cavazos (Renamed from Fort Hood 5/9/2023) by participating in ceremonies and other events; to support the U.S. Army in its public relations and recruiting efforts; and to preserve and maintain the standards of drill and traditions of the U.S. Cavalry during the 1800's.
The detachment primarily performs public duties functions. The unit participates in change of command and medal ceremonies, the U.S. presidential inauguration, and represents the 1st Cavalry Division and the U.S. Army in parades, riding demonstrations, and civic events.[6] In addition to official state and military ceremonies, it has participated in the Rose Parade, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos, and U.S. Army recruiting events.[7][8] Finally, a weekly mounted drill demonstrating equestrian vaulting and cavalry tactics, such as sabre charges, is held for the public by the detachment every Thursday morning at Fort Cavazos.[1]
The Horse Cavalry Detachment's mounted drills are drawn from the U.S. Army's 1883 Manual of Cavalry Tactics.[3]
Equipment
Armaments and vehicles
The 40-soldier unit is equipped with 33 dark bay horses with minimal white markings which are outfitted with Model 1885 McClellan riding saddles that are hand-made by cavalry troopers in an on-site leather shop maintained at the unit's stables. Each of the unit's mounts are trained for approximately one year before being put into action. It additionally deploys 4 mules, a mascot dog (Doc Holliday), a Model 1878 supply wagon, and a M1841 Light Mountain Howitzer. Individual soldiers are equipped with the 1873 Springfield Carbine Trap Door (Breech Lock) Model Caliber 45-70, 1873 Colt Single Action Caliber .45 Revolver, and the 1860 Light Cavalry Saber.[1][2][9]
See also
- Musical Ride (a Royal Canadian Mounted Police equestrian drill)
- United States Cavalry
References
- Romey, Alex (2023). "The Horse Cav rides on". army.mil. U.S. Army.
- "History of the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment". 1cda.org. 1st Cavalry Division Association. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- Jarymowycz, Roman (2008). Cavalry from Hoof to Track. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 213. ISBN 0275987264.
- "Fort Hood: Horse Cavalry Detachment Gets First Female Commander". KWTX-TV. 13 June 2014. Archived from the original on 2016-05-12. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- Kelsey, Nancy (2015). Bell County. Arcadia. ISBN 1439653852.
- Whitelaw, Ian (2007). The Horse: A Miscellany of Equine Knowledge. Macmillan. p. 73. ISBN 031237108X.
- Turner, Angel (25 February 2015). "1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment". Killeen Daily Herald. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- "Who's in the Rose Parade: Keep track of all the floats, bands and horses (and see who won trophies)". Los Angeles Times. 1 January 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- Deeringer, Martha (May 2013). "Unbridled Nostalgia at Fort Hood". Texas Co-op Power magazine. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
