"The Horse, Of Course" Topic
11 Posts
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Early morning writer | 07 May 2017 6:53 a.m. PST |
So, doing a little research on cavalry regiments during the plains wars and ran across a posting that revealed rather astonishing ignorance of basic horse facts of the 19th century (or of horses generally). The horse was pretty ubiquitous during this time period even in larger cities. Hard to imagine anyone who had never seen a horse, let alone a recruit into the cavalry. Sure, some poor sod might get enlisted who's never ridden a horse – but never seen one! How could you survive in 19th century north America and NOT see a horse?! More to my point, how many of you feel you have much knowledge about the horse, the core ingredient in any cavalry regiment? 'Cuz without the horse, its just infantry. Do you understand grain fed versus grass fed, summer and spring feed versus autumn and winter feed. How many hands does a horse have – or something else handy about horses? Can you name – without googling it first or double checking the names on your paint bottles – a half dozen horse colorations? Do you know the difference between tack and blue-tac? In short, if you like to field cavalry, have you taken any time to learn about horses (if you aren't already a horseman, of course)? I'm no expert by any means though I've ridden horses from time to time and live where I can watch them up close and personal pretty easily – a stable down the street and other horse properties in the area (though fewer and fewer as urbanization forces them out). I think understanding cavalry tactics needs at least a little thought into the animal itself. Personally, I probably spend most of my research – and funds – on guides showing horse colors, have a couple of good ones. |
Oh Bugger | 07 May 2017 8:25 a.m. PST |
A point well made. Horses were once everywhere- not so much now. The decline of the London Sparrow illustrates the change very well. |
bsrlee | 07 May 2017 8:30 a.m. PST |
I've been stepped on by a horse, if that counts. Bay, dun, palomino, skewbald, grey…….. |
Garryowen | 07 May 2017 8:35 a.m. PST |
It is also important to know horses capabilities and how cavalry really functioned for writing war game rules. I have owned four different horses over the years, so I can handle your questions, but there is still a lot I don't know. A recreational horseman who boards his horse, is different from one who really lives horses like some of my Crow Indian friends and cowboy/rancher friends. Tom |
Herkybird | 07 May 2017 9:10 a.m. PST |
When writing my Cavalry rules, I had to ask my friends and workmates who actually ride, as my knowledge of cavalry is limited to books. |
Dances with Clydesdales | 07 May 2017 9:34 a.m. PST |
My father owned Clydesdales, so I learned how to feed, groom, harness, and understand what basically motivates horses. At least draft horses. I have ridden quarter horses a few times. I agree an understanding of horses will give you insight into their uses on the battlefield. |
attilathepun47 | 07 May 2017 11:33 a.m. PST |
Although it certainly helps to have personal knowledge of horses, I'm afraid that simply knowing how to ride or care for a horse falls very short of imparting real understanding of cavalry tactics. Hollywood certainly hasn't helped, with its typical depiction of wild disorganized charges at full gallop over hundreds of yards. I can only think of a couple movies that came anywhere near getting it right. However, here and there one comes across scenes of formation changes that hint at what discipline and training could achieve. One good exemplar of riding skills in tight formation is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police drill team, but that is just a small group. The real tests of tactical skill are coordinating multiple squadrons, proper use of reserves, and timing. |
Norman D Landings | 07 May 2017 11:43 a.m. PST |
I learned to ride in the US so by English standards, I sit a horse like a sack of hammers. In my experience, the uglier, shaggier and more fleabit a horse looks, the less likely it is to give me a hard time. Only time I've ever been straight-up thrown was by a hunter-jumper who was out of my league and knew it. |
advocate | 07 May 2017 12:00 p.m. PST |
I've not driven a tank, not could I maintain one. I don't do archery or fencing, or own, let alone shoot, firearms. Apparently I'd better leave. |
Atomic Floozy | 07 May 2017 5:26 p.m. PST |
Tom Reese: "And all that hogwash about horses! The loyalty of the horse! The intelligence of the horse! The intelligence? You know a horse has a brain just about the size of a walnut. They're mean, they're treacherous and they're stupid. There isn't a horse born that had enough sense to move away from a hot fire. No sensible man loves a horse. He tolerates the filthy animal only because riding is better than walking." -- Glenn Ford, "Cowboy", 1958. I've had a love-hate relationship with horses my entire life & this quote from the movie Cowboy just about sums it up! |
TurnStyle | 08 May 2017 2:22 p.m. PST |
I'd argue it's borderline useless in 95% of the games you'd play. It's a neat side study (as in any particular area of study related to any kind of game). Do I care if someone doesn't know anything about actual horses? Not at all. |
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