Ken Burns and Gettysburg

[ole]

Woof, Miss Sarah! You don't weigh in very often, but when you do, it kicks major butt! Time to get off the porch.

ole

[milhistbuff1]

It's Saladin. Fascinating posts. M.E. Wolf, do write that book.... I know the Hungarians and Polish also had fine cavalry traditions. For instance, the Polish cavalry had wooden wings that made a whirring sound to spook enemy troops.

A key difference with the cavalry at that time was the feeding system. Unlike modern times where oats were the main food supply, many horses were range horses, fed entirely on grass... The Cossacks used this to their advantage in Russia.

[M E Wolf]

Dear Milhistbuff1,

I whole heartedly agree with you in regard to the feeding systems of the Armies of Cossacks and the Russian 'formal military.'

Harvesting grain requires energy, time and processing. Grass grows on it's own. However, when you do have more 'range' as the Russian/Cossacks did then in our Civil War in the area where fought--a lot of land was for crops and grazing pastures weren't that plentiful. And, to allow a horse to graze, that also takes 'time' to which both Cavalry groups were not often afforded. Grain then is a must, as it makes up for a day's grazing in a few hours that span maybe twice a day if lucky. To me, if you have time to graze animals, there won't be movement --Unless, one adopted the philosophy of rotation of horses, allowing grazing and then herd them up to the ranks, switch horses and then allow grazing and repeat that process. What I see in the American Civil War --they grazed their horses as often as time permitted. But, time to march and get from Point A to Point B -- well, I am amazed at how much speed both Armies moved. Grain then had to be offered, as well as hay.

Another element comes to mind. As the tide of battles came and gone, the ground is ripped up and so is grass. Horses are particular when they graze. This didn't help either army as to graze their horses. And, if there was pature--beef, cows, sheep and other animals grazed. It doesn't take long for thousand of animals to graze pature down to nubs. This is why so many horses teathered to trees ate bark.

Horses needing electrolites, in nature will lick dirt getting salt and minerals. Now days they are in blocks. Horses sweating and in hard labor really need these minerals. Don't think many horses had an opportunity to renew their mineral balance on marches.

I am probably going to misspell it --but, there is a chemical in swimming pools called (forgive the misspelling) = Dya-tenacious- Earth. That is nature's 'wormer.'

Another issue was horse's teeth. They do get burrs on their teeth in the area where they chew. These teeth would need to be floated, as to smooth the teeth and the grain would be better chewed and less waste.
This would add add to the health of the animal. I don't know how often horse's had their teeth floated during the Civil War.

However, 'Dr. Grass' has always healed the most appauling cases of horse neglect that I've come across personally. My preferred nurishment for horses.

Winter would be harsh for horses, even with grazing on grass--this too is an element that isn't looked at too often. However, if given the chance to just rest and allow to heal would do wonders for horses.

Thank you for adding to this thread everybody-- [Smiles] I know a lot, I am sure it is the same with all of us--but, for me--I can say, I never know 'it all.'

Sincerely,
M. E. Wolf

[M E Wolf]

Dear List Members,

I found an excellent site - with photographs!

http://www.mainecav.org/

Although they do not show the horse in training for laying down on command while mounted and unmounted, some of the combat uses for the horse --the sword, carbine and techniques for the soldier, and a bit about saddling a horse is there.

Enjoy!

Sincerely,
M. E. Wolf