• If you are having problems logging in please use the Contact Us in the lower right hand corner of the forum page for assistance.

National Cavalry Competition this week-end at Fort Robinson

Soapweed

Well-known member
09/24/2009 - National Cavalry Competition this week-end at Fort Robinson


Fort Robinson will be the site for the annual National Cavalry Competition next week. Dozens of active-duty soldiers will compete in a variety of traditional cavalry events Sept. 24-27. According to organizers at the U.S. Cavalry Association it will be the largest assembly of mounted soldiers anywhere since the U.S. Army dismounted the Cavalry and Artillery in 1956.

U.S.C.A. Chaplain Paul Scholtz said there will be riders from across the U.S., Europe, Canada and Australia in attendance. The competition is open to all mounted uniformed services in any branch of the military, military police, re-enactors and anyone with a horse, uniform and saber. The competition is held at a different location each year. It was last at Fort Robinson in 2004.

The event kicks off Thursday, Sept. 24, a 9 a.m. with a pass in review on the parade field, and Scholtz said all veterans of the Fort Robinson remount era are invited to take part. The review will be followed by an equitation contest as military riders compete in Olympic-style games. The day will end with a mounted pistol class (blanks will be used) and a barbecue.

Stadium jumping in the arena near the Mare Barn will start at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, followed by the traditional favorite mounted saber competition. A Punch Bowl Ceremony will conclude the day at the Buffalo Soldier’s Lodge.

Units of eight or more riders will march to period drill commands against each other in Saturday’s platoon drill competition. That afternoon, around 1 p.m., riders will compete for the General Bolte Cup. The cup is named for president emeritus of the U.S. Cavalry Association Phil Bolte, a decorated veteran of Korea and Vietnam who helped develop the Abram’s Tank and Bradley fighting vehicle. General Bolte will attend the event.

The contest for the cup matches the top five contestants from each of the previous events and past champions in the ultimate test of cavalry skills. Riders will be expected to complete a course of pistol and saber targets, jumps and other obstacles, and dismounted skills in a matter of minutes.

Sunday will bring the competition to a close with a 9 a.m. Fiddler’s Green memorial service at the flagpole on the parade field. Troopers lost in the last 12 months will be remembered, and the Caparisoned horse – the black horse wearing a ceremonial saddle with the boots reversed in the stirrups – will be present.

Most of the activities during the National Cavalry Competition are open to the public at no cost except for the state park admission fee. Mounted troopers and their horses will be available for photos and questions throughout the event. Reservations for the Friday and Saturday evening meals are available on a limited basis, so Scholtz said it is best to check with U.S. Cavalry officials onsite before planning to attend. There is an admission charge for the meals.
 
Top