All Material in this Site is
 © 2007-2008 Perryville Historic Battlefield

Horse Standards

Horse Health Requirements

A current EIA Test (Coggins) is required for each animal within 1 year of the date of the event. Out of state horses will need a health certificates within 30 days of the date of the event. In state horses will need a health certificate within 150 days of the event. Health papers are required for transport within state lines. Current flu, rhino, tetanus vaccinations are highly recommended for each horse. If said paperwork is not in order, or if the veterinarian deems the animal to be unhealthy, the participant’s animal will not be allowed access to the site(s).  A veterinarian will be on-site or on call for the entire event weekend.

Horses must be supervised and maintained at all times. No horses are to be left unattended.

Horse Standards
No appaloosas, paints, or pintos, unless they can visually pass for a breed commonly in use by the armies during that time period. No stallions or ponies. Do not tie horses to loose or unsecured items!

Saddles – The following are acceptable:
* 1859 McClellan, w. /1859 quarter straps and girth. No 1904 McClellan will be accepted with brown or black leather on the seat. Officers’ saddles must be honest reproductions:
* Grimsley
* “Jennifer”
* 1833 Dragoon style
* Ringold
* Hopes (correction reproduction or reworked – NO MODERN WESTERN SADDLES).
* Correct civilian

Tack – The following are acceptable:
* Period stirrups (NO 1904 iron stirrups)
* Valise, 1859 saddlebags, true copy –CS saddlebags
* Crupper
* Proper period breast straps
* Grey, red, or dragoon saddle blankets, any proper issue or civilian blanket of the period. No modern Indian saddle blankets, yellow-trimmed Indian war blankets, or olive drab blankets.
* Proper period pommel holsters
* Proper 3 or 5 buckle cavalry or artillery pattern headstall. NO MODERN WESTERN BRIDLES.
* Cavalry Model 1859 leather halter or watering bridle.
* Leather or rope lead.
* Proper link straps are required for cavalry to fight dismounted.
* No modern bits or nickel reproductions will be tolerated.

Cavalry Impressions
All cavalry impressions must reflect the Kentucky Campaign of 1862.

Confederate impressions should reflect a typical cavalry unit that would have been organized during the summer of 1862. This impression should include a mixture of Union military and civilian uniforms and accouterments and attempt to mimic a newly mustered civilian mounted militia. Bushwhacker and Border Ruffian impressions will not be allowed.

Union cavalry impressions must reflect the standard U.S. regulations for late 1862. Please refer to overall military impression standards for basic guidelines.

Military Structure - All cavalry will serve as one company or troop on the field. The rank you wear must be commensurate with the number of troops you put in the field. To serve as a distinct company you must be able to field at least 15 mounted troopers. Commanders are responsible for safety inspections as well as insuring that the event standards are adhered to.

Dismounted Cavalry
Dismounted cavalry skirmishers will have the opportunity to participate as a fully recognized and organized part of the event. In return, dismounted troopers must meet basic standards and function within the military structure

Military Structure – Dismounted troopers will be organized within a company or troop. The rank you wear must be commensurate with the number of troops you put in the field. If your group, or several groups banding together, can put 25 or more carbines at the event, they can operate as a distinct company. To the extent practical, unit integrity will be preserved: however, smaller groups will be consolidated (with the proper rank structure) into appropriately sized companies. The dismounted cavalry will serve and camp with the mounted branch.

Miscellaneous – Feed hay will be provided for all horses. Water troughs will be situated near all encampments. All horse trailers will have designated parking areas. Said parking areas will be patrolled by the Kentucky Department of Parks. Camping out of trailers will not be allowed.