"Cavalry Horse Holders" Topic
11 Posts
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XV Brigada | 03 Jan 2012 7:25 p.m. PST |
Apologies if this has been raised before, but what was the ratio of horse holders to horses when a unit was fighting dismounted? |
darthfozzywig | 03 Jan 2012 8:02 p.m. PST |
I believe 1:4, but that's probably a wargaming reference, not a primary source. |
EJNashIII | 03 Jan 2012 8:53 p.m. PST |
I have heard 1:4 before. Primary source: A primary source (CSA): A Revised System of Cavalry Tactics, for the Use of the Cavalry and Mounted Infantry, C. S. A. (Goetzel, 1863) School of the Platoon mounted Prepare to fight on foot, 1 time, 3 motions 1. At command all prepare to dismount except #4 2. Dismount, except #4s and form rank 3. Nos 1, 2, 3 pass reins with the right hand over the horses head; Nos 3 hands reins to Nos 4 to hold, no 1 and tie their reins to Nos 3 rein with a slip knot
. Nos 4, who remain on horseback will have charge of the dismounted horses
.a dismounted NCO remains with the horses to direct them. another source Poinsett's Cavalry Tactics, Vol. 2 : School of the Trooper, of the Platoon, and of the Squadron, Mounted (1855) The platoon being in line the instructor commands Prepare to fight ON FOOT 1 time 4 motions 1 At the last part of the command which is ON FOOT prepare to dismount as prescribed No 292 2 Execute what is prescribed to dismount No 292 Nos 4 of each rank will remain mounted. |
Trajanus | 04 Jan 2012 5:16 a.m. PST |
1:4 is correct as per US 1863 Cavalry Regs |
John the Greater | 04 Jan 2012 7:36 a.m. PST |
Yes, 1 to 4. An interesting side note: wargaming figures for horseholders are always dismounted. Note that EJNashIII writes that the horseholders are to remain mounted, except for the NCO. |
flicking wargamer | 04 Jan 2012 7:37 a.m. PST |
I have mounted horse holders in 28mm. I think they are metal Perrys. |
Ligniere | 04 Jan 2012 10:26 a.m. PST |
In every four men, one is a horse holder, and three are in the firing line. My wargame units are typically in multiple of four, to accommodate this ratio – and thankfully that's how Perry sell their horse holders.
npm |
John the Greater | 04 Jan 2012 2:59 p.m. PST |
Ligniere: nice figures. I do 15mm ACW and have not found any mounted horseholder figures. Has anyone out there? |
jowady | 04 Jan 2012 10:29 p.m. PST |
1 in 4, Confederate Cavalry disliked fighting dismounted and at one engagement the men were told to count off, so they did, "One, Two Three" and "BULLY!". The commander instructed that "One, Two,and Bully" are detailed to the firing line. |
XV Brigada | 05 Jan 2012 4:53 a.m. PST |
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number4 | 05 Jan 2012 4:53 p.m. PST |
Federal troopers had a "link strap" with a large snap hook on one end.
This was buckled to the halter and the hook used to link horse #1 to #2 and #2 to #3. The horse holder (#4)could then control all three led animals using the reins of just the #3 horse. Whenever possible, the horse holders would lead them in a small circuit which is believed to keep them calmer than just standing still without a rider. Nobody makes mounted horse holders in 1/72 plastic either, but a figure that is not shooting or waving a sword around (rare enough) works next to a base with three standing horses set 'nose to nose' on. Dismounted horse holders are a toy soldier "ism" that along with limber riders and kneeling infantrymen still refuses to die. |
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