- Joined
- Oct 10, 2012
- Location
- Mt. Jackson, Va
An image taken by Matthew Brady in 1862 of a Federal cavalry column alongside the Rappahannock River. Note the pontoon bridge in the background.
Thanks; great picture. I believe this area is heavily wooded today, on both sides. What accounts for the absence of trees back then - farming or maybe the wear and tear by the armies that marched back and forth in this area?
I don't know. But I do know that after a while riding straddle my Harley, when I stop at a light, I lean forward to stretch my back.I note a number of horsemen appear to be leaning forward in the saddle. Does this suggest obtaining relief from saddle soreness?
They may be rising in their stirrups to relieve their horses' backs. I'm not up on what techniques were taught at the time, or what cavalry protocol was, but I can say from modern experience, that sitting still for long periods of time is harder on the horse's back than long distances traveled while riding the rising/posting trot. And it looks like they are standing still, not moving.I note a number of horsemen appear to be leaning forward in the saddle. Does this suggest obtaining relief from saddle soreness?
That makes the photo all that much more precious showing life in the army unposed.They may be rising in their stirrups to relieve their horses' backs. I'm not up on what techniques were taught at the time, or what cavalry protocol was, but I can say from modern experience, that sitting still for long periods of time is harder on the horse's back than long distances traveled while riding the rising/posting trot. And it looks like they are standing still, not moving.
An image taken by Matthew Brady in 1862 of a Federal cavalry column alongside the Rappahannock River. Note the pontoon bridge in the background.
View attachment 93986
I note a number of horsemen appear to be leaning forward in the saddle. Does this suggest obtaining relief from saddle soreness?