Photo By Pfc. Gabriel Martinez | U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry...... read more read more
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Estonia --- U.S. Soldiers from 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division challenged troops to a grueling division spur ride at Forward Operating Site Reedo, March 12, 2026. Spur rides are a longstanding cavalry tradition tied to earning cavalry spurs. The tradition dates to the early days of the cavalry, when newly arrived troopers were issued horses with shaved tails, a visible mark of their inexperience that led to the nickname “shavetail.” These new troopers were not permitted to wear spurs while they trained, particularly while learning to handle a saber from horseback. After demonstrating proficiency with both their horse and weapon, troopers were awarded their spurs. The 6-9th Calvary Regiment Spur ride began with a physical fitness test and equipment layout to ensure participants were physically prepared and properly equipped for the event. Candidates were evaluated before beginning their three-day spur ride designed to test endurance, teamwork, and technical proficiency. Candidates moved through a series of physically demanding events over three days, with limited rest. U.S. Army Maj. Joshua Harrison, operations officer for 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, explained how the spur ride unfolded. “We started the event with the E3B physical fitness test [a physical assessment that included a two-mile run in full kit, weighted sandbag tosses over an obstacle, and low crawls combined with tactical movement drills in a sandpit], followed by a full equipment layout,” Harrison said. “After that, Soldiers rucked to their sleep site. Early this morning, they moved to the obstacle course [which included team and individual challenges such as scaling an eight-foot wall, climbing a ladder, and navigating barriers]. Candidates then rucked to lanes modeled after tactical tasks cavalry Soldiers may encounter during operations, including a stress shoot, call-for-fire lane, vehicle recovery, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), and a chemical, biological, and radiological lane where Soldiers were exposed to CS gas [a riot-control agent used by the military during training]. After completing the lanes, candidates conducted a final ruck march back to the forward operating site (FOS) for the spurring ceremony.” The event was led by Soldiers who had previously earned their spurs. Maj. Joshua Harrison, operations officer for 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, said the spur ride is significant because it plays an important role in building unit cohesion and reinforcing shared values across the squadron. “The spur ride is really about building the team and strengthening camaraderie throughout the squadron,” Harrison said. Harrison also stated that the tradition and esprit de corps associated with the cavalry motivate Soldiers to take on the challenge. "When Soldiers arrive at their first cavalry unit and see others with spurs, they quickly recognize the tradition and begin working to earn their own. During the spur ride, they unite as a team, give their best, and strive for their spurs," Harrison said. Once Soldiers earn their spurs, they are expected to uphold the tradition and mentor future candidates. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Austin Wilbur, Squad Leader with the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, said the spur ride pushes Soldiers to exceed expectations. “Meeting the standard is the bare minimum,” Wilbur said. “Exceeding the standard ensures that you and the Soldiers around you can rely on each other downrange in stressful situations.” The spur ride also included service members from the Estonian Defense Forces, who participated alongside their NATO counterparts. “Seeing Estonian service members out here is great,” Wilbur said. “It strengthens relationships with our allies and gives us the opportunity to train together and share the experience.” Participants said shared hardship throughout the event strengthens trust among Soldiers and builds lasting bonds across units and partner nations. Wilbur encouraged anyone interested in becoming a cavalry scout or earning their spurs to approach the challenge with determination. "Give it everything you have," Wilbur said. "You won’t be alone. You’ll always have someone to your left and right, and the experience builds a strong team and a sense of family. The lessons you learn and the bonds you build during the spur ride will stay with you throughout your career, reminding you of what you and your fellow Soldiers can achieve together."
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| Date Taken: | 03.13.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 03.16.2026 16:47 |
| Story ID: | 560598 |
| Location: | EE |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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