Cavalry at 2008 events ?

[Jerry Ross]

Hey Fellas !
Just looking ahead to 2008 there are two AC events that will be allowing horses. Pickets Mill and Marmadukes Raid. I know there is only a few of us with Horses and are spread across the U.S. . It would be good to get a strong showing of horses at these two events.

Who out there on horse back might be able to make it to these two events ?

Are there other events that I don't know about ?

[Tom Craig]

Re: Cavalry at 2008 events ?

Jerry,
There are a few other events you could add to the list, although they may be out of your area of operation.

Death March (I forget which number we are up to!): Northeast PA.
This one is a "tier 2" event but it really is a decent event. Doug Oakes (the event host) puts together a great cross country march with a definite role for cavalry. The 1st ME has gone the last two years, and even galvanized a couple guys to provide the CS forces with some scouts. Doug is actively looking for cavalry, especially CS.

Bristoe Station: northern, VA
Another teir 2 event that looks like it will feature a good role for cavalry. There is a five mile march with skirmishing on Saturday as the highlight.

Loudon County ride, Unison, VA
This event has happened the last two years under two different names, and two different hosts, but has been awesome both times. As far as I know the event is on again this year, and will be held in either October or November. It features at least 20 miles of riding for the Federals over original a beautiful country with running skirmishing with the CS cavalry. This is the best event for cavalry that I have seen in YEARS!

Two other thoughts...
At High Tide, Gettysburg, PA
This is the Chris Ander's G-burg event. A number of AC folks will be there, and the cavalry will be creating our own scenarios etc for the event. While not necesarily a "high standards" event, the fact that there are standards is enough to weed out 99% of the crusty cavalry that is out there.

Brandy Station, Brandy Station, VA
Not an AC event, but I have heard talk of a "carpe eventum" style effort for campaigner cavalry. Anybody else out there heard anything on this lately?

Take care,
Tom Craig

[IowaYank]

Re: Cavalry at 2008 events ?

Jerry, This year does look like it has some decent opportunities for Mounted participation. Here in the Horse Hair Mess, Chuck Soliday and Myself are tentively planning on coming down to Pickets Mill, and we will try to bring the two other members of the mess, James Weighton and Pete Yurkonis down with us. For Marmadukes, the Horse Hair mess will be there in full force. All four of us will be there as Federal Cavalry, Portraying the 1st Wisconsin Company L. We may have as many as 8-9 Federal Cavalry at Marmadukes if I can get some things in line. I also want to try to get out east for one of those events Tom mentioned, maybe the Loudon County event. Have heard some good things about that one. I agree, Pickets Mill and Marmadukes looks to be two great events for Cavalry this year.

[VaTrooper]

Re: Cavalry at 2008 events ?

I can add a little in regards to the campaigner aspects of Brandy Station. Last I heard the Valley Light Horse will be going as the 12th Va who were guarding the ford when Buford crossed. That little assignment will keep us away the streamers atleast for Friday. There was a meeting about the whole event at Cedar Creek that went smooth. I'd expect 250+ troopers there.

[Mike Nickerson]

Re: Cavalry at 2008 events ?

Jerry, I will be at PM & BR. I also plan on slipping up to ride with the 1st. Maine at Bristoe Station too.

Mike Nickerson
Critter

[Jerry Ross]

Re: Cavalry at 2008 events ?

Tom,
When I get the chance I try to go to VA. I went last summer and rode with the Valley Light Horse. While I can't get up there all those time, I would like to make it more than once.
The Loudon Co event is that where they portrayed Mosby's group a few years ago around a 200 year old house ?

Dan,
Good to hear you and more are coming to P.M. and Marmadukes. I look forward to meeting you .

William ,
When is Brandy Station ? Do you have more information?

Thanks fellas I have not been to upbeat about things lately in our part of the hobby. I see some light to look forward to.

[VaTrooper]

Re: Cavalry at 2008 events ?

Jerry,
The Loudon event is where you did the Mosby impression. It's at Welbourne plantation. And I sent you a PM about Brandy.

[AZFarrier]

Re: Cavalry at 2008 events ?

Jerry It's to early to say but I was thinking of attending Marmadukes Raid. Troy Groves mentionedto me that he will be going Mounted and that it would be nice for me to come as well. I have to start to save up money now in order to anticipate gas prices though, of course car pooling is also an option. As far as any other event's I can't say.
Andy Miller
1st CAL Cav

[Tom Craig]

Re: Cavalry at 2008 events ?

Gents,
After putting out a request for more info on the Brandy Station event I managed to secure a couple of nuggets. The event is certainly a 'streamer event, but there will a campaign contingent in both blue and grey.

From what I understand the event is to feature an approx. 13 mile cross country march on Friday for the Fed. troopers. The Fed cav will camp at Kelly's Ford on Friday night and cross the ford in the AM and move into action on the actual battlefield property.

Having been to the site for a few other events there is some nice riding to be had on original ground. Sounds interesting to me...

Take care,
Tom Craig

[rbruno]

Re: Cavalry at 2008 events ?

Jerry and All,
If anyone has dates for some of these events and could post them, that would greatly help my units planning for next year. Some of the events mentioned by the the previous post, I am aware of the dates, but many I am not. Some are listed in the newspaper I get. Any help on dates or websites would be great.
Rob Bruno
1st MD Cav

[csabugler]

Re: Cavalry at 2008 events ?

Rob, the "events by us for us" area should have dates, links etc to all those events mentioned.

[rbruno]

Re: Cavalry at 2008 events ?

Patrick, I looked at that section of the forum and did need to look a little deeper. I first looked at the Bristoe Station info and didn't see anything about cav till I looked at the site and it mentioned by invite only. I would be interested in going to the Bristoe Event. I was interested in the Brandy event and the Loundon County Ride. If this is the same ride that Todd Kern did last year, I would like to do it again this year. I also have only got small nuggets about the Brandy Event. Does anyone know if dates have been set for the events?
Rob Bruno
1st MD Cav

[Tom Craig]

Re: Cavalry at 2008 events ?

Rob,
As far as I know the Brandy Station event will be the 1st weekend in June, 6-8th.

The only date I have seen posted for the Unison, VA event (aka the event that Todd K hosted last year, or aka the Welbourne event etc) was the weekend of October 25th. Someone had posted a link to the skeleton of a site for an event in the same area hosted by Rob Hodge (he hosted the event in 2006) but there was no date or any details.

If you are looking for an invite to Bristoe and you would like to go Federal you can send me a PM, or email Jerry Todd for more info.

Take care,
Tom Craig

[1st Maine Trooper]

Re: Cavalry at 2008 events ?

The event in Unison, will indeed be the last weekend in October. It happens to coincide with the anniversary of the actual battle dates. I am in the process of writing the Federal Cavalry standards and details are still being ironed out, however I can share this. The Federal cavalry will ride to Unison, occupy the town then move on to engage the CS cavalry. There will be some Federal infantry to support the cavalry at various points. The total length of march will be roughly 15 miles on Saturday and a similar distance on Sunday.

More details will be forthcoming.

Dave Myrick

[VaTrooper]

Re: Cavalry at 2008 events ?

Dave,
I just sent you and Tom a PM about Brandy.