U.S. Cavalry School

PROGRAMS
Our courses are open to Males and Females, we have had students from 14 to 74 yrs old - so bring the family.
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 19th 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.

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CURRICULUM
General:
Historical Setting:
- History of the Cavalry
- Native America
- The Western Frontier
- The United States After the Civil War
- The Frontier Army
Uniform, Equipment, & Arms:
- Uniform and Personal Equipment
- Horse Equipment
- Firearms, Sabers, and Other Implements of War
- Live Fire Exercise
The Fighting Cavalry:
- Federal Indian Policy/Military Strategy
- Cavalry Missions & Tactics
- Historic Battle Analysis
- Cowpens
- Gettysburg
- Washita
- Palo Duro Canyon
- Rosebud
- Little Bighorn
- Dull Knife Fight
Drill and Horsemanship:
- Dismounted Drill
- Basic and Advanced Horsemanship
- Saber & Pistol Skills Under Saddle
- Mounted Formation Drills
Cavalry Operations:
- Preparation for Campaign
- March to Field Encampment
- Orientation on Field Operations
- Combat Formations – Practical Exercise
- Cavalry Patrol and Skirmish
- Defense of a Field Perimeter

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TYPICAL TRAINING SCHEDULE
Sunday: |
|
|
Noon onwards |
- Arrival - Registration - Uniform & Equipment Issue |
1900 (7 PM) |
- Welcome BBQ |
Monday: |
|
|
0800 (8 AM) |
- Breakfast |
0900 |
- Course Overview |
0930 |
- History of the Cavalry |
1000 |
- Uniform & Personal Equipment Familiarization |
1030 |
- Dismounted Drill |
1130 |
- Lunch |
1230 |
- Assignment of Horses |
1300 (1 PM) |
- Equine Confirmation & Saddling |
1330 |
- Horsemanship |
1430 |
- Native America |
1530 |
- The United States after the Civil War |
1700 (5 PM) |
- Retreat |
1800 |
- Supper |
2100 (9 PM) |
- Campfire |
2200 |
- Tatoo |
2300 (11 PM) |
- Taps |
Tuesday: |
|
|
0630 |
- Reveille |
0700 |
- Stable Call |
0730 |
- Breakfast |
0830 |
- Horsemanship |
1030 |
- The Frontier Army |
1130 |
- Lunch |
1230 |
- Federal Indian Policy/Military Strategy |
1330 |
- Cavalry Tactics |
1430 |
- Firearms Training |
1530 |
- Live Fire Exercise |
1700 |
- Retreat |
1800 |
- Supper |
2100 |
- Campfire |
2200 |
- Tattoo |
2300 |
- Taps |
Wednesday: |
|
|
0630 |
- Reveille |
0700 |
- Stable Call |
0730 |
- Breakfast |
0830 |
- Mounted Drill |
1130 |
- Lunch |
1230 |
- Campaign Preparation |
1400 |
- March to Field Encampment |
1530 |
- Orientation on Field Operations |
1700 |
- Retreat |
1800 |
- Supper |
2100 |
- Campfire |
2200 |
- Tattoo |
2300 |
- Taps |
Thursday: |
|
|
0630 |
- Reveille |
0700 |
- Stable Call |
0730 |
- Breakfast |
0830 |
- Practice Combat Operations |
1000 |
- Battle Analysis |
1130 |
- Lunch |
1230 |
- Cavalry Patrol & Recovery |
1700 |
- Retreat |
1800 |
- Supper |
2100 |
- Campfire |
2200 |
- Tattoo |
2300 |
- Taps |
Friday: |
|
|
0630 |
- Reveille |
0700 |
- Stable Call |
0730 |
- Breakfast |
0830 |
- Defense of a Field Perimeter |
0930 |
- Battle Analysis |
1130 |
- Lunch |
1230 |
- Cavalry Patrol & Return to Fort |
1530 |
- After Action Review |
1700 |
- Retreat |
1800 |
- Supper |
2100 |
- Campfire |
2200 |
- Tattoo |
2300 |
- Taps |
Saturday: |
|
|
0900 |
- Stable Call |
1000 |
- Graduation Parade |
1100 |
- Turn-in Uniforms & Equipment |
U.S. Cavalry School
P.O. Box 1171
Twisp, WA 98856
or call Headquarters at 1(888) 291-4097 or contact webmaster at: cavtrooper@uscavalryschool.com
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