The United States Army remembers the old days of its cavalry in Kentucky

Mounted military units have existed since ancient times, but disappeared as combat units in the 20th century.

Mounted Color Guard, the last cavalry unit of the United States Marine Corps
The Polish Army uses the cavalry to defend its borders once again

Today, mounted units are used exclusively for ceremonial purposes, with one exception: the Polish Army, which continues to use horses to guard its borders.

There is a great cavalry tradition in the United States that is still preserved today in some military units. Two years ago, I told you here about the Mounted Color Guard, the last cavalry unit in the Marines, and today I bring you some images of their Army counterparts.

In 1992, the 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One" established the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard (CGMCG), based at Fort Riley, Kansas, the division's headquarters.

"Troopers and horses of this unit are outfitted in the uniforms, accouterments, and equipment of the Civil War period. Soldiers are detailed from the ranks of units assigned to Fort Riley and receive instruction from manuals used by Civil War cavalrymen", explains the "Big Red One". "From privates to officers, these men and women recreate the colorful spectacle of the American Horse Soldier. They demonstrate their horsemanship for professional rodeos, community events, parades, school groups, and official ceremonies."

The 1st Infantry Division explains the duties of its cavalry unit: "The CGMCG performs mounted drill and weapons demonstrations and parades for community events and rodeos, as well as military ceremonies on Fort Riley. The mounted demonstration is an exhibition of the skill and precision required of a cavalry horse soldier. It includes various drills using the 1861 Cavalry Light Saber, a .45-caliber revolver, and the 1873 Remington .45-caliber lever action repeater rifle. The demonstrations require an area of 150 feet by 200 feet."

"They portray the U.S. Cavalry as they appeared in the mid to late 19th century. Soldiers in the CGMCG are assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Infantry Division", explains the "Big Red One".

On May 2nd, the CGMCG attended the famous Kentucky Derby, held annually in Louisville. Kentucky has been closely linked to the cavalry since the 18th century. There, these mounted soldiers made a traditional cavalry charge with sabers, as we see in these images published by the "Big Red One" on their Flickr account. A delight for those of us who admire the cavalry.

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Photos: 1st Infantry Division & Fort Riley.