My SO and I have joined a cavalry reenactment unit. I took my "steady Eddie" gelding to our first training camp this weekend. This is a horse that I put my novice rider neice on for a 3 hour ride over the Gettysburg Battlefield bridle trails.......hikers, bikers, motorcycles, tour buses, other horses, etc., and he never made a wrong move, and that is his typical laid back personality. We arrived in camp Friday night, and put him on the picket line. He was O.K., but got agitated when another reenactment camp about 1/10th of mile away fired some cannon and rifle fire. Sat. a.m. while we had weapons drill on foot, he circled, pawed, etc. on the line. The other horses were behaved. When it came time to saddle him, he reared, lost his footing and went over on his side, wrapping the line from his halter to the picket line around his neck. I got him free, and took him off the line to saddle. The commander helped me, but we never were able to get him saddled. I took him home. Saddled him last night with the same equipment at home, he stood like an old dog. I am in a state of shock that he became so upset. I have fired a gun around him at home, and he was fine. The commander wants him at another training camp, and will put him on the line between two veteran horses. He was on the end of the line this weekend next to his stablemate, who is also a novice at this game. Any hope for him as a cavalry horse?

Thanks,

Brenda

During our weapons practice, we had inspections, and proper presentation of arms. We never fired a shot before I tried to saddle him. I think he was overwhelmed at the whole atmosphere of the camps.

Brenda

Thanks! That is exactly what the veteran troopers are telling me, and my SO. As usual, I need to hear it repeatedly to confirm it and restore confidence in both of us.

Brenda

Yes, time and exposure & he shoud do OK.

I've always wanted to do the re-enactment thing, but the cost of the authentic gear was out of reach.

You have your own gear, tack & clothes?

Best of Luck to you.

Thanks for the encouragement! I was able to get good used tack and holsters, etc., from a retired reenactor. Needed to purchase uniform new.

Brenda