Parting Shot

Charging Ahead Into History

 

A Reenactors Passion For History

 

Draw sabers!!” It was a command given countless times during the Civil War and a few occasions during the Indian Wars.  It sent shivers down the spine of many a horse-soldier, knowing “Charge!” and a fight for one’s life followed.

 

And it’s a command that is still heard today—at least in re-enactments of some of the great cavalry actions in U.S. history.
Thousands of folks from around the country now participate in these pitched battles of the past. The “Division Cavalry Brigade” of the First Federal Division is one of many United States cavalry units focusing on re-enacting and memorializing our fellow horsemen of history. Its commander: Colonel Terry Crowder.

 

The basics are similar to cowboy mounted shooting—both require riders and animals, firearms, period-correct tack and clothing. But you certainly won’t see a mounted shooter pulling a saber.  And unlike mounted shooting, where an individual on a galloping horse travels a set course, shooting balloons in a race against the clock, the re-enactments involve hundreds of riders and steeds, charging across open fields against other cavalry units, guns blazing and sabers flashing.  And the end result, well, it’s already determined by history.  George Armstrong Custer doesn’t get the opportunity to win at the Little Bighorn.

 

Terry Crowder started re-enacting in Old West Shows benefiting St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, performing daily skits representing historical events, including bank robberies and shootouts.  He met a Federal Infantry commander who suggested Crowder and company form a cavalry unit, since their horses were already trained for gunfire and crowds. Crowder took him up on it, but that required starting from the bottom. A Civil War re-enactor normally enlists as a private, and so did Terry Crowder back in the early 1990’s.  Within a few years, he was promoted to captain and took over the 10th Missouri Cavalry, First Western Cavalry. Soon Crowder became a colonel and earned command of all mounted and dismounted cavalry for the entire Division, encompassing the Appalachian Mountains to the coast of California.

 

The rest, for Crowder, is history.

 

Smaller units across the country began joining the Division, which incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.  To become a recognized, self-standing Brigade member, the First Federal Division had to field 200 men at a dedicated National event.  In 1997 they fielded 228 Federal Cavalry.  They now boast 357 members, and projections for 2008 anticipate that number jumping to 496.
Crowder says 19th century cavalry did not use modern gaited animals: “The majority of horses used in the Civil War were of the Morgan Breed, as well as the Thoroughbred breed.  There is NO record I have found that any Paint or Spotted horses were used, at least not by the Federal side.  In the Western theatre, there is mention of the ‘Quarter mile breed’ being used.”  Today the Federal Cavalry uses mostly Quarter Horses with a growing number of various gaited horses, Thoroughbreds, and Saddle bred horses.

 

Crowder has 40 years of horse training under his belt, and he says there’s a reason for the breed selection. “Quarter Horses seem quieter in times of high excitement,” he says.  “They react and remain calmer and have the stamina and movement that is more desirable with the conditions they are subjected to – longer time under the saddle, quicker starts and better stops.”

 

Their authentic Civil War cavalrymen portrayal has led to appearances in movies such as “The Patriot” with Mel Gibson, “Ride with the Devil” with Tobey Maguire, “North & South,” “The Postman,” “Buffalo Girls,” “Glory,” “Son of the Morning Star,” and others.
But for the most part, riders join the cavalry for the excitement, the challenge, the pomp and circumstance, and the history.  There’s nothing quite like riding a horse at full gallop, saber in hand and wind blowing through your uniform as you prepare to engage with the enemy.

 

They live for the command, “Draw sabers!”

 

For more information visit www.divisioncavalrybrigade.com

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