Mounted Rifles
What is a Mounted Rifle ?
The basic defination is an infantry company that acquired horses.
The tactics are somewhat different from Cavalry and infantry. When we are dismounted, our impression is that of an ordinary infantryman with the exception of a pistol. We carry 3 band rifles and infantry accouterments.
We can give you tips on training your horse to gun fire also. These are just tips that have worked for us. Horses have different personalities, some will take to it immediatly, some will take more time and some will NEVER accept it.
*** I suggest that you FIRST train your horse to accept ear plugs.***
Ear plugs can be easily made by taking 2 small, cloth tobacco sacks and placing 4 to 6 cotton balls in each (according to your horse's ear size). Pull the draw string closed and tie the ends of a length of leather string to each bag. The finished "ear plug set" can then be tied to the halter in case one is dislodged from your horses ear.
All the materials used should be an authintic reproduction of what would be normally found on the early 1860's.
Although I have not found any reference to the use of ear plugs before, during, or after the War Between the States, I do care about my horse and his hearing. I have had my earballs blown out by a fellow re-enactor's misplaced muzzle, and it HURTS. With ears that big, just imagine how it feels to them when we shoot directly over their heads.
(I also want him to hear me when I whistle for him in the pasture.)
If you are interested in trying it for yourself, contact me and let's talk.
Please bear with me as it comes along.