Photo By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Bryson | Troopers from the 11th Armored Cavalry Horse Detachment show precision through...... read more read more
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FORT IRWIN, Calif. – U.S. Soldiers from the 11th Armored Cavalry Horse Detachment hosted a stable tour and cavalry demonstration for friends and family June 21, 2022, at the Detachment Barn, Fort Irwin, California. The detachment, one of six mounted U.S. Army cavalry units, provides ceremonial support for 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, representing the rich history of the original 11th Cavalry in equine competitions and shows across the country.
“Fort Irwin is a small, isolated community and so giving back, not only to the regiment, but also to the larger community is what the horse detachment is here for,” said Capt. Michael Gates, 11th ACR Horse Detachment commander.
Gates explained that as a special ceremonial unit, community outreach is an important part of the detachment’s mission. In order to fulfill that goal, the horse detachment carefully selects just the right men and women for the job from within the 11th ACR “Blackhorse” Troopers ranks. While equestrian experience is not required, character, willingness to learn and the commitment to hard work are essential.
“All of our troopers have less than twelve to eighteen months of horsemanship experience...so we care very much about the professionalism we represent... for the regiment, for the broader community here and the Army as a whole,” said Gates, whose own military occupation is engineer. “It’s very fulfilling to be able to actually be the boots on the ground for the extended community.”
Sgt. 1st Class Chris Stemple, acting 1st Sgt. for the detachment, also an engineer by trade, said working with inexperienced Soldiers and developing them into proficient riders with actual old-school cavalry skills and tactical ability is a daunting, yet rewarding, challenge. Troopers in the detachment are required to master the equivalent of three years of training in a 12 month period, relying on the aid of skilled contractors and trainers in addition to the veteran horse detachment troopers.
“Probably the coolest part about this job is that it is incredibly tangible,” said Stemple. “Unlike other jobs in the army where it is sometimes difficult to see that achievement on a daily basis. Everything here is a progression. Everything here... from caring for to riding the horses... is a learning experience. It’s neat to see those ‘light bulb’ days as the Soldier comes in and learns a completely foreign thing and develops a degree of mastery in a very short period of time.”
During the tour, guests saw the stables, which hold a treasure-trove of awards, period weapons, uniforms and saddlery. The 11th Cavalry is steeped in rich military tradition and can trace its roots 121 years back to the specific founding regiment. They still train on the same tactics and skills as the age-old cavalry, remaining era-accurate in their equipment by using replications of the original tack, pistols and sabers.
“I would argue we have a time period, combat-effective unit,” said Stemple. “That is probably the coolest, most surprising thing that people find out about us. We actually do it the way it was done... it’s not just for show.”
According to Stemple, the horses are the draw for most spectators. Unlike modern day equine competitors, Military Working Equines with the 11th ACR are not just “one-trick ponies."
“The horses all put in the same effort we do... and we have good quality, talented horses,” said Stemple. “Another interesting thing about the cavalry and the and the history of the war horse is the comparison between the modern day equine sports. It’s amazing to see what they can do.”
After the tour, the Horse Detachment took to the ring to demonstrate an array of traditional cavalry horsemanship techniques and maneuvers for cheering onlookers, including the use of sabers and revolvers while mounted, and synchronized jumping.
“We are the living embodiment of the cavalry,” added Gates. “It’s not modern, it’s not what the cavalry would be today‒ it’s the cavalry just as it was... being able to be a part of that living history of the regiment is unbelievable.”
Troopers ended the dynamic display by treating the audience to a re-enactment of the last charge, a crowd favorite, which commemorates the charge that took place May 5, 1916, as the valiant pistol-wielding horsemen of the 11th Cavalry rode against the stronghold of Pancho Villa, the famed Mexican revolutionary.
| Date Taken: | 06.21.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 07.18.2022 12:08 |
| Story ID: | 424915 |
| Location: | FORT IRWIN, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 141 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 11th Armored Cavalry Shares Living History, by SSG Elizabeth Bryson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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