Union cavalry

[MikeyB]

So I've always read how at the beginning of the war, generally speaking the South had the superior cavalryman given they were more fluent in riding horses.

How were Union cavalry regiments recruited? Could anyone just sign up for the cavalry? Were their qualifications? Did you have to prove competency in riding? Weren't there a ton of Western states and plainsman who were just as fluent in horse handling as their southern counterparts? Why should the Union cavalryman of 1861-1862 be at such an early disadvantage?

mike

 

[DixieRifles]

I may not be the expert but I think some of the reasons for the Cavalry problems was the same reasons for the infantry.

1. Burdened with too much equipment and maybe too many weapons, such as sabers, pistols, etc.
2. Lack of training. Just as some soldiers could shoot but that wasn't all that made up an infantryman, so too many men could ride horses but that did not make them a true cavalry man. Also lack of training for actual combat tactics which relates more to the next item.
3. Leadership. Junior officers as well as regimental or brigade commanders lacked the training and leadership qualities.

 

[Equestriangirl93]

In the Northern states, horses were mostly used for plowing and farm work, and many of the men did not ride for recreational purposes; whereas in the South many gentlemen would participate in horse races, ride from plantation to plantation, etc.

Also, a majority of the roads in the Southern states were not paved like they were in the North; making horseback the only means of transportation

 

[Andy Cardinal]

From a tactical standpoint, McClellan spread the cavalry all over the place. They were not really unified into a cohesive command until spring 1863 (one of Hooker's greatest accomplishments). By contrast, Stuart led a unified command by early 1862.

 

[Patrick H]

I can't answer some of your questions. However, I know that my ancestor rode over to Glasgow, Missouri from his father's farm in Howard County, and enlisted in the 2nd MO Cavalry, US, right after his 21st birthday. Presumably, he just needed to sign his enlistment. I'm not exactly sure how he got to Glasgow. Maybe a brother gave him a ride in the wagon or rode with him and then returned to the farm with his horse. I am sure my ancestor rode a government horse while in the service.