ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

[ButtermilkRanger]

Re: ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

Unfortunately modern military commitments and a family situation kept me from being able to attend. By all accounts, the event was as good as I expected from the organizers. I sure wish I could have made it. I have seen some of the photos of the event and read most of the comments here and I'd like to offer a suggestion as someone on the outside looking in. First of all, the premise of the CoI is excellent and from all accounts, the organization and coursework are perfect. I think the overall goal is to get people to make positive changes in their impressions. Not just in appearance, but in attitude, campaigning, etc. I also agree that if we are able to change just one person for the better, then the event was worthwhile. However, anyone who attends such an event should be willing to take the criticism and listen to the suggestions on how to improve your impression.

No one really cares for excuses. I can't speak for other units, but for us what you have in your kit is either right or it's wrong. The old core group of the Buttermilk Rangers have been riding together now for almost 20 years and we STILL have an authenticity inspection in the parking lot of the events we attend. And we're one of those units that take great pride in hand-stitching, good hats, etc., but it's still easy for us to get lazy and start worrying more about our own personal comfort over authenticity. Barry, I don't know you and I wasn't there, so I certainly won't pass judgement. But when someone pointed out your farby sweatshirt, you had an excuse (albeit a very good one). Those guys had health issues as well. There ARE ways to overcome and adapt to the situation and still be historically correct. Taking your marbles and going home isn't the solution. I'm sure everyone was sympathetic to your reasons for doing something historically inaccurate, but it doesn't change the fact.

To the event organizers, why not conduct an authenticity inspection at the beginning of the event? I'm sure Mike and Guy will remember when the WIG had us all do one at Raymond II many years ago. Just lay everything out on a blanket and let the staff pick it apart. Ask the guys with farby items like stampede strings or bandanas or whatever to remove them and explain why. Help them make the corrections that can be made on the spot with good constructive criticism. Rolling a hat brim up or changing the shape of a kepi can be done quickly and effortlessly. It's usually about what you need to take off rather than put on.

I guess my real question to those with obviously inaccurate impressions (and it goes beyond material culture... I think I even saw a pony tail on a guy in one pic), what was the reason for attending this type of event if it wasn't for self-improvement? I can tell you now that I'm constantly working to improve my impression, including my current diet, and I'm far from new to the hobby. If I can admit that I'm a farb in some areas, anyone can. The key is to not accept our shortcomings, but work to improve them.

Just my observations from the outside looking in.

[Mark Choate]

Re: ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

Gentlemen,

Well, I have no voice to speak of and I am as tired as I can be, but I am so very pleased and satisfied with the results of the past weekend and the largestWBTS, Cavalry Camp of Instruction held in the country! I will not try to duplicate nor will I try to improve upon Ken’s brilliant use of the Queen’s English in describing things, because I would only foul up what he as so beautifully expressed. That having been said, I must point out the obvious. When you have a man that is as knowledgeable as is Ken Knopp on much of the subjects that we study and have interest in, who is willing to work as hard as he did with phone calls, emails, text messages, smoke signals and carrier pigeons and to line up some of those stellar speakers, a man who is a published author of multiple books and articles on these studies and is widely viewed as the pre-imminent authority on Saddles and tack of this era…………..when that person is willing to hunker down and do what he did for no compensation whatsoever, ……then you have found a very special person indeed. A person that I genuinely consider a friend and I thank him from the bottom of my heart.

To all of the presenters, the Q’master Corp, the officers of the units, the NCO’s, etc., etc., etc. Thank you so very, very much. I will not try to repeat the names, as Ken did a masterful job of that, other than to add that Lt’s Helton and Townsend accepted this job with seriousness and worked like dogs to make things run smoothly and on schedule. When you have that much material to cover in less than 3 days, it HAS to be on a tight schedule.

I appreciate Jerry Ross’s comments a few post earlier as I think he has captured the essence of what this was about. You see………if this was a living history or a battle scenario event or anything else, then some of the slipups with uniforms, tack, etc. would be handled and addressed, but this was an instructional for all cavalrymen to come and work and learn. It was an INSTRUCTIONAL. I believe the Bible alludes to the sick being in need of the physician………….not the healthy. If everyone who attended were "spot on" accurate, then we would not call this a “Camp of Instruction” but rather a “Cavalry Living History”, or something. I really like the idea of a one-on-one that he mentioned and can now see a future assignment of a “mentor” for the person to contact with questions or something similar. Good idea there!

I wish to goodness that all of you could sit here and read email, after email, after email that I have received in the last 24 hours fromfellas who say things like, “ Wow, I have 11 things that I am going to focus on to improve my impression.”…..or, “This changed my life and outlook on reenacting…..I am going to stop going to the events here but will focus on quality events” …….or, “As a result of this weekend, I am going to study the manual for myself and stop just accepting what someone else told me who was wrong.” Gentlemen, this is why we did it! I am so uplifted by the impact. It reminds me of how the Red River Campaign affected me back in the mid-nineties when we rode 150 miles in 8 days and lived off our horse. It gave me a confidence that I could do more than I thought I could. Hopefully, this will have somewhat the same impact on others.

I could go on and on, but I won’t. Just remember that none of us popped out of the womb knowing how to do this stuff. We all had to learn somewhere. I don’t want to close on too heavy a level, but remember that we are told in Proverbs:”A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger.”

Barry, I want you to feel welcome to come in the future and I know that with your good attitude, you will apply many of these things and be better for it. That is what it is all about. We want to grow this end of the hobby. . . . .not beat it into submission! There are folks out there that have never attended anything other than the "funnel-cake, pumpkin-rollin's and if they can grow and improve, then that is a great thing.

Remember that there is a nice way to tell a person most anything.

Thank you again for coming and participating!

Respectfully,

Mark

[ButtermilkRanger]

Re: ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

Well said as always, Mark. Like I mentioned, if just ONE person goes home and makes the change, then all of your efforts were worthwhile. From all accounts, many have made the committment and that's what it's all about! I didn't mean to sound critical of Barry and if I offended him, I apologize. I doubt there are any of us here who didn't start at the bottom, and it all starts with attitude. If you have the right attitude and are willing to learn and change, then anything is possible. I am still in favor of authenticity inspections, but I think the mentorship idea really has merit. Knowledge is worthless if you don't share it.

[Mark Choate]

Re: ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

Thanks for the comments Larry.

Actually, when I posted my diatribe, your post had not hit yet, so I had not seen it, but I know you were sincere with all that you said. Wish you could have attended.

Well, I am full of allergy medicine and tired, so I am going to bed.

Sleep tight, Troopers and to the videttes, remember that the Federals have a strong presence in both Nashville and Murfreesboro. So, remain vigilant......................

respectfully,
Mark

[Barry Smithson]

Re: ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

Gentlemen,

I apologize if I was a little touchy about being singled out for having a sweatshirt on while packing to go home. I should have waited until I got back to my trailer.

I was there to learn. I wanted to meet those that I have seen post here and elsewhere. I am open to learning. That is why my gear has improved. Jackets from Andrew Kasmar, trousers from Chris Sullivan, shirts from NJ ************, hats from Tim Bender (and no stampede string) and tack from Karl Pepper.

Besides the seminars, which were great, I talked to guys from the old Critter Company since they are a group that I have always respected. I enjoyed it and learned a lot. I love the idea of having a mentor. That would be beneficial for many of us who have not been on this side of the hobby long. Many of us are trying to improve.

I guess what really got to me was that I thought this was a chance to learn. If you have helpful information for me to improve my kit, tack and drill, tell me. I just do not enjoy being publically ridiculed for my dress while rolling up to leave.

[The Egyptian Homeguard]

Re: ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

Barry, you were not "singled out" for the sweat shirt no more than the guy was for the slacks, or the guy with the ear ring or the fella in the cowboy action pants. The sweat shirt was mentioned, but not you by name. That was your guilt at knowing it wasn't right to have on in camp. See, you are an authentic at heart! You fessed up to it on a public forum, where you knew it would be seen, right next to your name! It's like confessing you sins in Church, it feels good to get it out.

The CoI is a chance to learn. We are all learning. Mark, Ken and the others organizers are learning every year they put the event together. They learn what to do better next year. This year it was a bunch of crazed Federal infantry who thought they'd catch us sleeping. Next year, who knows! I learned if your horse walks faster than the Lt's you'll end up at the end of the line, so he doesn't have to trot to keep up... I also took away new ways to look at things, one of my favorites was Cain's talk on period horse shoes something noone I know does. I aslo learned I need to spend a lot more time with my new horse. I'm not nearly as comfortable on him as I am on the one I've ridden for 18 years. It may or may not have shown, but I knew what I felt like riding him. I wasn't totally comfortable with him nor he with me especially after the crow hopping incident none of you all got to see!

The main thing is to improve and not get your feathers ruffled. We were all farbs or at least bad mainstream once. If you haven't had a bad impression, then you haven't been in the hobby long enough to remember or know why some of us get just as upset by these type things as you felt when you thought you were being singled out for the sweat shirt. I know that is hard to read, but it's how it is.

Deep thought from a shallow mind...

btw: If anyone wants to know my impression flaws... I still ride a BSLW McClellan and use tack from the late 80's early 90's... the tree's too wide and the leather too heavy. It's not correctly dyed and it has spaded D's and toe kicks. Do I intend to replace it? Yes, I'm currently looking for a correct tree anyone know of one out there?

[Barry Smithson]

Re: ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

Zack, you are right. I knew it should not be there. I got it while Ernie and I were riding vidette that night. I was feeling like crap and freezing and figured it would not be bad to wear while packing. I won't make that mistake again.

I did learn a lot and look forward to improving. Long trip and not sure I will ever make it but I will keep trying. I just know that being there was important. Sick or not, I wanted to learn. I'll keep on working on it. Compared to where I was six years ago when I moved from artillery, I am a lot better. I still have a long way to go. The desire to grow means I have a lot more to learn. This is why I loved the event. It gave me information and a goal. Lots of reading and research on my plate.

[forrestcav]

Re: ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

Glad you learned and I hope to see you again next year. No sense in getting ruffled feathers, as has been stated we've all made mistakes. The trick is to learn from and improve upon.
16 years ago I had hat brass, yellow hatcords, twin navies, and a brass heart encrusted breat collar. Those are long gone now. COI is for learning and thats what you did. You learned to keep the modern sweat shirt in the trailer and can lok for an alternative way to stay warm. Maybe the before mentioned blanket and a large blanket pin to keep it around your shoulders. Just a thought.

[U.S Dragoon]

Re: ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

this was my first COI and i had a great time, i know that my kit has a lot of improvement to go jeff, pete, ken and the rest of you who have been helping me cross over from the farby side i thank you, formost i must thank jeff gibson for not only introducing me to this side of the hobby but also for tolerating me for 6 days and and the long trip from Florida , and pete thank you for not only allowing us to stay over at your place but for letting me borrow parts of your kit to help me fuit in better, and to mark ......i am grateful for your generosity, if you hadn't offered to let me use your horse "pride" i would have surely felt out of place on my pinto walker

i am glad to have finally met most of you in person, guy, tommy, dan and of corse mr Knopp

my thoughts were that i learned a great deal , but also just refreshed stuff that i had already knew, and i agree with mike above that if you only change one thing at the next event thats one step closer than you were before,

i would have liked to have seen less modern coversations in camp but i was just as guilty for breaking the 19th centruy barrier

Jason Klug
Sgt. 5th fla co "G"

[ethan harrington]

Re: ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

Thx,
To all for the efforts put in to the event if you have never done one they can be very taxing, well done to all the key noted speakers ( speacial treat to see it all at one place if you did not thank them for coming well then sham on you........
I think you should be able to say anything about an impression to anybody with in reeason,( you don't have to be an a%# Hole about it) I did not here anybody as us any reall questions of substance other than peaple that we already know and talk to on a reagular basis, In my line of work I don't have a mentor or someone to look at and if I go to a place that has the Cool Kids I ask questions until they walk off or tell me to shut up IF im really trying to improve.

"You learned to keep the modern sweat shirt in the trailer and can lok for an alternative way to stay warm. Maybe the before mentioned blanket and a large blanket pin to keep it around your shoulders. Just a thought.


Here is another thought on that issue: Get a civi coat , put your sleeping blanket under your saddle , when your not wearing the coat at night roll all your crap that you need in it and strap it to the back of your saddle and your packed ,sweatshirt problem solved This was a campaign stle event if your horse ( not pack mule) can't carry it and you ride easy 20 miles a day with it YOU DONT NEED IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thx
Ethan Harrington

[Ken Knopp]

Re: ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

Thanks Gents for all the kind words. It takes alot of dedicated people to put together something like this which illuminates the old saying that "no man is an island". My sincere thanks and appreciate also goes out to all that attended. It would have been a big ZERO with YOU! Above all THANKS BE TO GOD!

Just a reminder for those that attended.....
1. READ the handouts!! There was some great information in them.

2. Work on your impression!! Analize your kit......, What do you "really" need? Remove and replace the less authentic items! Change out your saddlery hardware (maybe the leather or whole tree?), defarb your weapon, check our accoutrements for the correct patterns, leather and hardware; maybe "lose" the boots and get some brogans; Do your really need those heavy saddle bags? Did they ride with breast collars, surcingles, cruppers? What kind of bridle should I have for my impression? What kind of bit & hardware do you have on your bridle? Many folks NEED A WHOLE NEW HAT!! Nothing personal here just observations.

3. Note the "Authentic Cavalry Suplier's List" handout that has the web site address for good quality (NOT Sutler Row stuff but it varies from good to excellent depending upon what item your seeking) saddlery, clothing, weapons, accoutrements, accessories, food, boots/shoes, etc. etc.

**Copies of many of the handouts are re-prints of some of my articles. They of course, can be found free of charge, on my web site.

NOTE: I will personally help anyone who asks for it. Just email me (NO PM's) ....But, dont expect me or anyone else to make the effort for you. I only ask that "first" you do some research such as on this forum's Search Engine. There you will find a great wealth of information. Improving your impression is not a destination that you arrive at but the journey itself. Trust me, the real fun and enjoyment of this hobby is found on this evolutionary trip. So lets make the ride!!!


Ken R Knopp

https://www.confederatesaddles.com

[Mike Ventura]

Re: ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

Unfortunately, some of the guys at CoI that could use the most help are not on this forum...

[Forrestcavalryman]

Re: ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

Unfortunately, some of the guys at CoI that could use the most help are not on this forum...

That's the sad truth, I'm not even sure if they're on the "other forum".

[Matt Woodburn]

Re: ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

Then invite them here. Tell them to stay on the Cavalry forum to stay out of Moderator trouble. The Mods on the Cavalry forum are Ken and Mark who know who to watch for and can help them along. Mark probably has the emails of everyone from COI registrations.

[The Egyptian Homeguard]

Re: ANNOUNCING: The 2011 Cavalry Camp of Instruction!!!....

Matt, That is a good idea... I know Mark has had his plate full lately, but an invite coming form him could go a long way. Do not get me wrong I feel we need to keep a tight rein on the standards here, but many lurk without ever posting. If they would join, then maybe those of us on here on a regular basis could mentor them via the net. I've fielded several questions over the years guys were too embarrassed to ask on the forum for fear of being blasted… PM’s go a long way. I think something we should do to is a “locked” thread of do’s and don’t. I know the A/C has a policy on how to become an approved vendor, but possibly we could put together some sort of buying guide for guys just starting or wanting to improve their kit? When I started doing mounted, the only guys making Macs were BSLW, Snellen and Carrico… unless you were willing to wait several months possibly a year for a Burgess or Heartland House. Just some thoughts… Z