Artillery drivers wanted

[light12pdr]

I am thinking of doing horsedrawn artillery again. In the years that I did it, I found that one of the biggest challenges was finding reliable, knowledgeable drivers. There were lots of people who had the right mindset and wanted to do it but had no experience riding or caring for a horse. I am looking for the right person (s) to help get me going again. This person would need to be near enough to Frederick, MD to work horses frequently even on a week day. This would be a big commitment for a person. I have the guns, the tack and a place to work the teams.

I know I am asking a lot but here is the deal:

Having horses with drivers (that I care a lot about) in harness pulling a cannon (with no brakes) requires a lot of skill,practice and just plain work. This is serious business. It is very, very dangerous work even when you are prepared. With good horse people, you can make it safer. Also, you must be authentic or willing to be.

The rewards are incredible, just ask some of the boys on these forums. When you march on the field, many times all you can hear is the clacking of jaws dropping.

There a lot of cool things to do with the 150th coming up

email at light12pdr@earthlink.net and we can talk

Kevin Oyarzo

[CJDaley]

Re: Artillery drivers wanted

I am thinking of doing horsedrawn artillery again. In the years that I did it, I found that one of the biggest challenges was finding reliable, knowledgeable drivers. There were lots of people who had the right mindset and wanted to do it but had no experience riding or caring for a horse. I am looking for the right person (s) to help get me going again. This person would need to be near enough to Frederick, MD to work horses frequently even on a week day. This would be a big commitment for a person. I have the guns, the tack and a place to work the teams.

I know I am asking a lot but here is the deal:

Having horses with drivers (that I care a lot about) in harness pulling a cannon (with no brakes) requires a lot of skill,practice and just plain work. This is serious business. It is very, very dangerous work even when you are prepared. With good horse people, you can make it safer. Also, you must be authentic or willing to be.

The rewards are incredible, just ask some of the boys on these forums. When you march on the field, many times all you can hear is the clacking of jaws dropping.

There a lot of cool things to do with the 150th coming up

email at light12pdr@earthlink.net and we can talk

Kevin Oyarzo

Kevin,
I don't have any driving experience, but if you need a cannoneer or gunner, and you'll have my middle aged ass, I'd love to help out like old times.

[Huck]

Re: Artillery drivers wanted

Sign me up Kevin, it would be a pleasure to ride and crew a piece again. I think there are a few of your old stand in who would do it again.

[Huck]

Re: Artillery drivers wanted

It would be great if we could have put this together a long time ago and have the gun back in actions for Bummers.

[brown]

Re: Artillery drivers wanted

Having served on a gun next to Mr Oyarzo back in 1993, let me say that if I was anywhere near him I would be volunteering my services.

Welcome back and looking forward to seeing your crew.

[Ringgold]

Re: Artillery drivers wanted

It's good to see you back, Kevin! I've just started shaking 5+ years of dust off of myself because the itch started to become unbearable, and the air has cleared considerably in the last few months as well. I don't know if I'd subject any poor equine to having me as a burdan, but I'd be great for exercising them and keeping them looking first-rate! I haven't groomed a horse in years, but with a little practice I can be right back in form.

Any help I can lend is yours, my friend!

I'm sure Rick Dennis (3rd USRedleg) will be answering your call shortly as well.

I guess I'll have to change my "retired" status . . .

[light12pdr]

Re: Artillery drivers wanted

HA! I knew I'd start seeing my old friends. Its like old skeletons popping up out of the ground, kinda like Jason and the Argonauts only nice skeletons... but I digress..

Good to hear from some old friends and thanks for the compliments.

I don't know where this path will lead me. I am older and wiser now and I hope to get it going again. Th cannon part is easy. The difficult part is the horses. They need training, training , training. Of course so do I. I am no expert but I will do my best. I need someone who is near enough and knowledgeable to work the animals frequently.

Oh well, here we go...

Kevin

[tahats]

Re: Artillery drivers wanted

You are right Kevin, it is very cool to hear from some of the fellows again. I am looking forward to working on the gun with you again. I have started to put my kit together.........ummmmmmmm how many jackets this time?? What kind of trim if at all?????? Will we do Federal too????? Black slouch or light brown????, Tassel or not?????....... This is gonna be fun! As you say.....here we go again. Talk to you soon!

Tim Allen

[Brian Baird]

Re: Artillery drivers wanted

Hey old Pard!
I wish you the best on getting your piece mounted!
Brian Baird

[Huck]

Re: Artillery drivers wanted

The crew from back in the day.

[IowaYank]

Re: Artillery drivers wanted

Kevin, I would LOVE to be a driver sometime,,,,but I feel living in Iowa kind of makes for a long commute!! I imagine being a driver on a team is quite a bit more work than just doing cav!!

[elcid01]

Re: Artillery drivers wanted

Kevin,
Sent a email to you.. I live in Baltimore and would be interested in learning this trade! Have crewed with you many, many, many years ago as a young buck with the SG.

Cheers,