U.S. Cavalry School

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PROGRAMS Mobile Training Team Military & Civilian Packing & Animal Handling Training The Staff Ride 2008 U.S. Cavalry School Basic or Advanced Training Encampment courses with the Little Bighorn Battle Reenactment Basic Cavalry Encampment Advanced Cavalry Encampment Weekend Workshop School of the Trooper Cavalry Orientation Demonstrations & Presentations Family Activities	CURRICULUM General Historical Setting Uniform, Equipment, & Arms The Fighting Cavalry Drill and Horsemanship Cavalry Operations
TYPICAL TRAINING SCHEDULE

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PROGRAMS

Mobile Training Team

If your group desires professional cavalry instruction, let us bring a specially tailored training team to you with a top quality course package.  We have trained everyone from the hobbiest to Reenactors to current U.S. Military Cavalry Horse Units / Mounted Honor Guards, we have the programs and courses needed to improve your level of Horsemanship and cavalry skills. We offer a Basic and - NEW for 2008 - Advanced Cavalry Riding training programs, Packer and Pack Animal Handling training, other additional courses available. Additional courses include, but are not limited to: complete Weapons Training (Saber, Pistols, and Carbines) courses, Cavalry Tactics Drill & Marching, Demonstration Team Riding, Weapons Demonstrations Riding (Sabers, Pistols, and Carbines), Advanced Cavalry Riding, Historical Lessons (the Realities, Tales, and Fallacies of the Times) and Modern Training & Safety Program ("for the unit in the public's eye and in their space"). We also offer horseback combative and mounted military operations training to U.S. Military members. We can teach these courses at the school's Headquarters in the Cascade Mountain Range of North central Washington, the Rocky Mountains near Helena, Mt, the Bighorn Mountains of Southeastern Montana, or let us come to you. Contact us and let us develop a mobile training module to meet your specific historic and educational requirements.

Military & Civilian Packing & Animal Handling Training

This course will cover the basic and advanced techniques of packing a Supply/PACK Animal (Mule, Horse, or Donkey), our lead instructor has been a professional outfitter has over 25 years experience in managing pack trips and animals; as well as performing clinics in the Northwest. He is highly regarded and sought after for teaching and conducting pack trips in the rugged Cascade Mountain Range of northcentral Washington. He specializes in packing odd shaped and difficult loads; to include heavy communication equipment with 20 ft antennas in difficult terrain. You will learn correct ways to assemble a load, pack, and handle a pack animal - and much more. As well as the differences of modern packing and U.S. Army / Cavalry tactics of the past. Hint- the U.S. Cavalry did not use Pack strings as we do today. This course can be modified to meet your specific needs and schedule, it is a must for those wanting to do some back country packing, military historians, Cavalry troopers, and Military members that may serve in difficult terrain regions that require the transportation of equipment, supplies, or individuals by pack animals. Call for details and Dates.

The Staff Ride

A replication of the historic U.S. Army Staff Ride technique for the on-site study and analysis of significant battles.  The highlight of this program is a field study of one of several battlefields that are important to a fuller understanding of cavalry operations.  The Staff Ride is cited by the U.S. Army as “one of the most powerful techniques of instruction available for the education of professional soldiers.”  This same program is presented by the U.S. Cavalry School.  Each Staff Ride is carefully planned to insure the most meaningful education experience possible.  The format of instruction normally involves three phases: preliminary study, field study, and retrospection.  Whether you are an Active Duty Military, Government, or a civilian group the lessons of leadership, establishing/following a relevent strategy, teamwork, communication, the history, and logistics are unequally taught in the Staff Ride teaching method; as well as being a superb teambuilding event for your group. Each Staff Ride is uniquely structured and fees vary.

2008 US CAVALRY SCHOOL DELUXE (Novice or Advanced Course) (New for 2008) TRAINING ENCAMPMENT Courses at the Little Bighorn Battle Reenactment - Crow Agency, Montana

THIS WAS A GREAT EVENT IN 2007 and has been expanded for 2008!! STILL ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY!! Both the Novice and Advanced courses will be run concurrently and students are invited to participate in the Battle of Little Bighorn Reenactment. This is not a show and tell class of history; this is a hands on training, where you will not only visit and learn at the historical sights, but we train you to become Cavalry trooper. LEARN FROM THE BEST - with instructors that have been Cavalry trainers in and for U.S. Military Horse Mounted Units, and Military Battlefield Staff Ride lecturers/instructors that have taught the many different units of the US Military on the Little Bighorn. Now Eight + days of excitement, living the life of an Army horse soldier on the American Frontier.  ARE YOU A HISTORY BUFF, LOVE THE CAVALRY/MILITARY, WANT THE BEST HORSE VACATION TRIP IN THE WEST, TO IMPROVE YOUR HORSEMANSHIP, WANT TO BE IN A FILM, OR WANT TO BE A RE-ENACTOR? IF SO, YOU NEED TO BE HERE!! MOST ALL CLASSES WITHIN OUR COURSES ARE ADAPTABLE FOR NON-RIDERS. EVEN IF YOU CAN NOT OR CHOOSE NOT TO RIDE A HORSE - THIS COURSE IS STILL FOR YOU, THIS IS THE VACATION OF A LIFETIME!! Includes all of the regular Cavalry Encampment courses and trainings listed below.  Ride the ground that the Cavalry covered the last 2 hours of Major General (Brevet) George Armstrong Custer's life and the Seventh Cavalry troopers that rode into the history books with him. Medicine Tail Coulee, Cedar Coulee, and Weir Point are among the historic locations we will ride.   The encampment runs from 21 to 29 June 2008 and starts with orientation on Saturday night (Sunday arrivals are acceptable), with training starting the next morning, and completion on Sunday the 29th of June.  This special course includes participating in the Battle Reenactment of the Little Bighorn is held at 1 pm on the 27, 28, and 29 June 2008 with authentic Indian Braves.  There is a part in the reenactment for most levels of horsemanship or for dismounted troopers.  This special course is being hosted by the U.S. Cavalry School for the second time at the Realbird Family Ranch, located 2 miles south of Crow Agency, Mt. This sacred land, where a portion of the battle was fought, joins and is intermingled within Little Bighorn Battlefield Park and only an hour south of Billings, Mt.  This amazing 8 plus day has even more riding, firearms training (a shooting competition for 2008), history/cavalry lessons, and fun. The package includes your tuition, US Cavalry military horsemanship training and the differences with Western horsemanship, training fees, access fees, Indian Tribe Cultural fee/donation, shuttle service to and from Billings Airport, meals, and barrack/field encampment equipment, Cavalry accommodations, blank ammo for reenactment, live ammo .45 Colt and carbine range training, Military staff rides, history lessons from Native American elder; as well as the cost of Horse, Firearms, Uniform, and Tack rentals, and much more. Awe-inspiring Battlefield tours and educational "Staff Rides" (in the training manner of the U.S. Army) by Indian and U.S. Military Scholars are also included. Cost for this 100% complete, amazing package is only $2,500. For those not needing rental of horse, tack, uniform, and firearms ask for an adjusted price quote. Current military members and former graduates call for special price quote. Our students from 2007 said, "This is the Best Horse Vacation I have ever taken, and I have been to South America and France on horse riding trips" - "This course exceeded my expectations and was a dream come true, definitely once in a lifetime opportunity to relive the past" "Worth every penny and more". Call us for additional information. Call and reserve your seat as soon as possible, training seats are limited in number!! 

Basic Cavalry Encampment-for Beginning Training

Six days of excitement, living the life of an Army horse soldier on the American Frontier.  This course is held in Twisp, Wa. at the Headquarters, unless otherwise stated. Begin your unforgettable experience learning in a garrison frontier environment and bedding down in a replica army barracks.  Study the tactics, techniques, and customs of the Frontier Army through a combination of academic classes and hands-on instructional activities.   Benefit from an individually tailored equestrian training program and practice mounted cavalry drill.  All our training courses/encampments are Great Team Building programs, and can be tailored to your group, as in the Army Staff Ride training techniques. You will also learn to use the weapons employed by 19^th century frontier cavalrymen.  Then, after honing your horse and soldier skills, ride out on a three-day campaign living in authentic period tents in a traditional cavalry field encampment while conducting realistic cavalry operations.  Spectacular scenery, hearty meals, and nightly campfire entertainment will add to the enjoyment of each and every day.  At the end of the week, you will ride back to the fort to prepare for your graduation ceremony on Saturday morning.  Qualified participants will receive a re-enactor certification.   Tuition and fees for all training, meals, and accommodations: $1250.  You are welcome to bring your own horse, uniform, and equipment, but all are available for rental on-site at a reasonable additional charge.

Advanced Riding Cavalry Training

**NEW FOR 2008** Includes most of the courses from our Basic Cavalry course training, but includes advanced riding and reenacting trainings. These include dismounted saber fighting, mounted saber fighting, advanced guidon/flag bearer training, Pistol training, Demonstration trainings (pistol and balloons, sabers and rings/running at the heads), to include much more. MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW. Six days of excitement, living the life of an Army horse soldier on the American Frontier.  This course is held in Twisp, Wa at the headquarters, unless otherwise stated. Begin your unforgettable experience learning in a garrison frontier environment and bedding down in a replica army barracks.  Qualified participants will receive a re-enactor certification.  We also offer mounted combative and military operations training to military members. This is the ideal course for those that have completed our basic Cavalry School, have been a mounted Re-enactor, or an intermediate/advanced rider. Tuition and fees for all training, meals, and accommodations: $1250.  You are welcome to bring your own horse, uniform, and equipment, but all are available for rental on-site at a reasonable additional charge.

NOTE: Cavalry Horse Gun Breaking/Training Courses: available for your horses, we can train your horse for Reenacting, Cowboy Mounted Shooting / SASS, hunting, packing, and more. Varying lengths of training to meet your needs- Call for Details.

CAVALRY/ GUN TRAINED HORSES FOR SALE: We occasionally have trained Cavalry (Gun Broke) Horses for sale throughout the year.

Staff Officer and Orderly Upgrade Package: Enjoy the rigors of daily training and the excitement of mounted cavalry operations while spending your nights at one of Winthrop’s fine resorts, lodges, hotels, or bed & breakfasts.  We’re happy to offer a variety of such packages for an additional lodging fee.  Free daily transportation to and from the U.S. Cavalry School is available.

ADDITIONAL TRAININGS FOR YOU AND YOUR GROUPS AVAILABLE! These are great team building exercises. We may add trainings at any time to our schedule dependent upon need, So call to ask what trainings we can do for you and where you would like them.

Weekend Workshop

Spend two fascinating days learning about the horse cavalry, practicing equestrian skills, and firing period firearms.  Each workshop is designed to get the most out of the limited time available.  This is an excellent opportunity to learn the basics or to advance your already solid experience and knowledge to a higher level.  It’s a great fun way to spend a couple of days, whether you’re a novice or accomplished cavalry buff.  Tuition and fees for training, meals, and bunkhouse accommodations: $300.  Horse, equipment, and uniform rental is additional.  The Staff Officer and Orderly Upgrade Package outlined above is also available.

School of the Trooper

A one-day session focusing on honing basic riding skills and cavalry drill techniques.  Participants are encouraged to bring their own horse, uniform, and equipment, but rentals are available on-site at a reasonable additional charge.  Lunch will be served.  Cost is $165.  "The object of this school is to make the troopers skillful in the management of their own horses and arms."  Philip St. George Cooke, Cavalry Tactics, vol. 1, Secretary of War, 1862.

Cavalry Orientation

Available in instructional blocks of from thirty minutes to four hours.  Observe on-going training at the U.S. Cavalry School if a group is in session.  Receive orientation briefings on Frontier Army life and cavalry operations.  Wear the uniform, ride a cavalry horse, and use the weapons of the day if you’d like.  Your orientation will be structured to fit your time and interests.  Fees will vary from $10 to $80.

Demonstrations and Presentations

Bring history alive for your club, civic group, school, or business.  Enriching and exciting living history demonstrations and presentations are available.  These range from short talks to full-blown battle re-enactments.  You let us know your needs.

Family Activities

For any family members not actively participating in another Cavalry School program, we offer an array of related activities to introduce them to our rich western heritage and frontier way of life.  Possibilities range from crafts and games to stories and historical presentations, as well as visits to some of the many historical sites in the area.  They to can experience life on a frontier cavalry post.  We will develop a specific program for you that best suits your families desires.

We are an organization committed to preserving the proud history of the horse soldier.