The cavalry was an essential part of the Frontier Army on the Western Plains during the Indian Wars of the 1860s and 1870s. Horses enabled soldiers to travel faster, carry more supplies, and engage in battle against their often better-mounted foes.

Cavalry Riding Techniques

An old cavalryman shared his expertise on how to sit and ride a horse, highlighting the difference in saddles. He noted that the best riders in the world are Mexicans, who use a unique saddle that allows them to sit with their legs straight down beside the horse.

The cavalryman explained that the key to good riding is to keep the toes pointing straight ahead, which enables the rider to grip the horse’s sides with their knees. He also emphasized the importance of using the correct saddle, as the McClellan saddle used by the US cavalry had stirrups that were too short, causing riders to bend their legs at the knee.

Challenges Faced by Cavalry Recruits

New, raw recruits often struggled to ride horses, and some didn’t even know how to ride before joining the army. These recruits were a source of amusement for old soldiers but were also a liability in battle.

Commanders faced significant challenges in training these recruits, who were often assigned to regiments without proper instruction. The old cavalryman argued that recruits should remain at the depot for at least a year to receive thorough training before being assigned to a regiment.

Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.