Sixth
Kentucky Cavalry, Co. A, CSA
Historical Standards for
Horses and Equipment
HORSES:
Troopers are responsible for
their mounts at all time. Unsafe and unruly horses will not be tolerated. Most
breeds are acceptable. Solid color horses are preferred. Spotted and loud
painted horses should be avoided. Most events do not allow spotted horses or
appaloosas. Geldings and mares are preferred by the unit. Although the Sixth Ky.
does allows stallions most events do not allow stallions on the field. If
an event does not allow stallions, troopers are asked not to bring their
stallions.
HORSE EQUIPMENT:
SADDLES: Preferred saddles are: 1859 McClellan (raw hide seats preferred), Hope,
Jennifer, Mexican saddles, Grimsley, or period correct civilian saddles. All
saddles must use correct hardware (brass or iron). Absolutely no nylon or chrome
steel on any saddles. Acceptable girths are leather and wool webbed. Stirrups
should be wood or appropriate pattern iron.
***Although brown leather is acceptable for Confederate Cavalry
impressions, please
attempt to use black leather on all tack as it is acceptable for Union Cavalry
as well.
SADDLE BLANKETS: The
best saddle blanket is a plain wool or old quilt blanket.
HEADSTALLS AND HALTERS: Basic 3 buckle and 5 buckle patterns are acceptable.
Correct civilian headstalls and halters are also acceptable. Absolutely no nylon
or chrome steel on halters. Correct pattern bits are acceptable. U. S. Dragoon S
patterns bits are preferred; however, correct civilian bits are acceptable.
Absolutely no chrome or blued steel bits. If your horse requires a specific bit
for safety purposes please check with the Commanding staff. Safety is always
first.
LEAD STRAPS: Should be leather or rope.
LINK STRAPS: Link straps may be necessary for dismounted action.
CAMP EQUIPMENT:
TENTS: “A” frame and
wedge tents are preferred. Shelter halves are acceptable. Wall tents are
reserved for officers and civilian impressions only.
WEAPONS:
PISTOLS: Most Black Powder percussion pistols are acceptable. Army, Navy Colts are common as well as the Remington ’58 Army. Pistols must be in good working order.
RIFLES/SHOTGUNS:
Spencer, Maynard, Sharps, and Smith carbines are acceptable. Henry repeaters
were rare but may be used under special conditions.
Shotguns are acceptable; however, some events do not allow shotguns.
SABERS: correct pattern
Mexican War, U.S. Cavalry or Confederate Cavalry are
acceptable. Almost any period saber from any branch of service will do for our
impression. Safety with sabers is of the up most importance--make sure that your
blade
and hilt are secured. You will not be allowed to take loose hilted sabers onto
the field.