Gents,

I found this event listing on the AC and I thought I would forward it out. I think this is a great idea, and from past experiences with other schools like it, only good can come out of such a gathering. As the hobby progresses forward, we need all three arms to be equal partners and to work together as in 186X to provide the participants with a true Civil War Experience.

Please forward this along to other mounted folks who might be interested, as this is exactly the type of teamwork we can all learn from.

Registration is due by June 25th, so do respond quickly.



CIVIL WAR CAVALRY CONGRESS

http://www.cavalrycongress.com/

JULY 13-15, 2007

Mission Statement

To invite Civil War individual cavalry re-enactors to come together to share historical information, drill, organize, generally fraternize and have fun. This event will have no authenticity requirements (except as stated herein) and no political agendas except organization and historical fraternity.

By Cavalry Re-enactors FOR Cavalry Re-enactors! ** Your hosts are members of The Critter’s, 7th Tennessee, Valley Light Horse of Va., Buttermilk Rangers, various Kentucky units, cavalry sutlers and many other individuals.

WHO: SEEKING ALL INDIVIDUAL CAVALRYMEN........

Main Streamers, Authentic, Beginners, Newby, IT DOESN’T MATTER!

FEDERAL, CONFEDERATE, EAST, WEST, TRANS-MISSISSIPPI.....

WHATEVER!


ALL ARE INVITED!


NO AUTHENTICITY GUIDELINES! COME ONE AND ALL!!!

Only requirements: You must be Civil War “mounted” cavalry, male and, come with a good attitude prepared for fun!

WHERE: East Fork Stables, Jamestown, Tennessee. Stunningly gorgeous, equestrian oriented campground! Over 100 miles of trails on 12,000 acres of fields, hills and forest including water falls, spectacular overlooks, rock formations, wagon trails, cabins, barns and riding arenas. www.eastforkstables.com

WHAT TO EXPECT: All mounted cavalry- no infantry or artillery. A lot of riding, camaraderie, sharing info among other cavalrymen, learning and fun! There will be cavalry specific sutlers, living history type campsite (no spectators), drill in small unit and battalion and, several special Civil War cavalry oriented educational programs in....weapons, saddlery, horsemanship, clothing, accoutrements, authentic food, packing for the campaign and more....


PRESENTED BY CALVARY RE-ENACTORS

FOR CAVALRY REENACTORS:

NOTE: This type “ALL CAVALRY” event has never been done before. There is no political agenda. Our purpose is for building cavalry brotherhood, organization, learning and fun! Bring a good attitude, an open mind and come.....,

Event Structure

1. All units and individuals are invited according to event requirements.

2. This event will be "loose" In other words, NO site development or administrative hierarchy. It is not intended as a "powder burner", there is no battle scenario nor is it a living history (although it will contain elements of each). There will be no public spectators.

3. Everyone comes as privates. NO rank. To promote cavalry cooperation, comradery and develop relationships unit structure, command and rank are to be left at home.

4. A few individuals will be assigned "Instructor" status for specific purposes such as Drill Instructor and those conducting Interpretive Courses.

A. Drill Instructors will have a "Head Drill Master" in charge with Instructor assistants working under a coordinated drill agenda for continuity (i.e. Single or Double Rank, etc). Drill. For starters, drill is conducted in small groups of 10-15 men by designated instructors (coordinated by the Drill Head Master with a specific agenda that will include single/double rank, weapons, fighting on foot, horse holding as well as some rudimentary instruction on saddling, equitation instruction, mounting/dis-mounting, etc.) Drill in all phases is first conducted in small groups, later, these groups are brought together for a "company/battalion" size drill of all troopers.

B. Interpretive Program Instructors have been chosen to present reenactor related Civil War cavalry historical programs. Interpretive Programs are optional for attendees and will include presentations on weapons, clothing, accoutrements, saddlery, footwear, 19th century equitation, packing your horse on campaign, food for the camp and campaign, unit and individual cavalry impressions and more (in development) Each will be presented by one or more instructors at the behest of the hosts and instructor however, each Interpretive program MUST include:

- Confederate (ANV/AOT) cavalry and, Federal (east and west) cavalry.

- THE THREE "A’’s" –– ATTITUDE, APPROACH, AVERAGE OCCURRENCE

- PERIOD –– (Early, Mid and Late War).

5. Camping will be bivouac, shelter halves or A frames (special needs or desires such as cabins, campers (RV’s), stalls for horses, etc. will be handled on an individual basis). Contact event personnel. Camps will be set up military style with company streets. All troopers will be alphabetized and assigned a position on the street to promote camaraderie and mingling. Event hosts and instructors will be assigned the camp site positions of that of an officer (for communication purposes) BUT WITH NO RANK.

6. Well known sutler’s, cavalry saddler’s and authors will be invited (coordinated by hosts). Including Karl Pepper of Glenn Pier Depot; Doug Kidd of Border States Leather; and Chris Utley of Carter & Jasper, David Jarnigan of C & D Jarnigan and author Ken R Knopp and others as they register. A small fee will be asked of sutlers to offset our costs.

7. "Everyone" is required to bring their own food, horse feed and hay. Water for humans and tanks for horses will be available (East Fork Stables has piped in city water to our site. Tanks will be arranged by the hosts). No other amenities (including firewood or port-a-johns) will be provided except those available at the East Fork stables and/or generally provided by mother nature.

8. All invitee’s are attending at their own risk. East Fork Stables and the Cavalry Congress hosts will require a signed "hold-harmless" disclaimer prior to participation.

9. Registration cost will $15 most of which goes to pay East Fork Stables. Any extra income will offset printing/postage/phone cost requirements. All host personnel and instructors are entirely volunteers. There are no paid administrative positions.

10. Registration deadline will be June 25th.

11: An optional meeting will be held Saturday night for all attendees to consist of discussion of what events "we" as cavalrymen are inclined to attend for the remainder of 2007 and in 2008. Also open floor discussion of ways to improve our participation at events, "what" to include at events, recruitment, where we think the cavalry arm is heading in the future, etc. and "ANYTHING" else anyone wants to discuss. Everyone invited but unit commanders are strongly encouraged to attend.