in Camp

with the 2US

Reviewed 2024

 

Camaraderie

This is one of the best parts of the hobby. Our members come from all walks of life and bond over a shared love of cavalry history. When spectators are present, we’ll invite them to talk with us about the cavalry, and after hours, it’s a great opportunity to spend time with friends.

 

Accommodations

This is a typical setup for most of us during a living history or weekend reenactment. No, it’s not what a typical trooper in the 1860s would have enjoyed, but it’s certainly more comfortable for a weekend hobbyist. A few of us are more spartan and go as far as sleeping on the ground or under a tarp if rain is predicted.

 

Horse Care and Management

Taking care of our horses is the most essential part of cavalry reenacting in the present and was the most essential part of cavalry life in the 1860s. It’s our number one priority and takes more time than anything else during our reenacting day. We do this gladly because, without our horses, we’re infantry! We wake up in the morning, and before anything else, we ensure our horses have come through the night in good order (usually confirmed by the last trooper to hold picket duty, which consists of one-hour shifts throughout the night). We’ll offer water and fresh hay and only then get our own coffee. After a day of caring for our horses, we’ll do a final check to make sure they have water and more fresh hay before retiring to our cots.

Weapons Inspection

Without exception, we do a weapons inspection every morning before taking the field. This is for our safety and the safety of spectators and our fellow reenactors.

 

Taking the Field

In this photo, we’re receiving instructions from the Captain before moving out for the day. During living histories, we do one to three daily demos, returning to camp in between. We may spend much of the day in the field during battle reenactments.