This is for anyone interested in joining a Civil War Cavalry reenacting unit. Each unit has its own personality and set of standards; one size doesn’t fit all. Perhaps even more important than choosing to ride with the Blue or the Gray is the choice of the people you want to share this hobby with. The right group can make your weekends a real joy. The wrong one can send you running for the nearest exit.

Before deciding to join the cavalry, we offer four essential questions for you to consider: Interest, Money, Time, and Skill. If you can answer these questions positively, look at the following additional considerations.

1. Interest: It’s not just about riding the horse. This hobby is for persons genuinely interested in Civil War history and who recognize the sacrifice that those we portray made 150 years ago. Only this recognition can lay the foundation for a solid cavalryman, man or woman. Are you ready to consider the historical precedent for this hobby and honor the tradition of the United States Cavalry through your correct impression?

2. Money: This is not an inexpensive hobby. Reenacting can be a serious pastime for those who wish to pursue it to its fullest extent. However, even those attending only a few events a year must invest significantly in period-correct uniforms, cavalry equipment, and camp supplies. Most of us don't get everything at once, but we do acquire these items within a reasonable period of time. In addition to equipping yourself and your horse, most units require members to pay yearly dues to cover event registration costs, pay unit insurance fees, and purchase unit equipment. Remember that you'll also spend money on gas, food, and black powder for each event. Are you able to bear these costs?

3. Time: We all have demands placed upon us that require our time. Considering the current demands on your time, do you have enough to spend about one weekend a month away from home during the reenacting season, especially if your family chooses not to participate with you?

4. Skill: We don’t require you to be an expert horseman or to ride the ideal cavalry horse. However, your horse must be in good health, able to meet the physical demands of the hobby without undue stress and conform to the Federal Cavalry’s color requirements. You can find these requirements on our FAQ page. As a trooper, you must be skilled enough to control your mount in formation while handling weapons that enhance your impression, not endangering yourself or others or negatively impacting others in the ranks. We hold an annual spring training session to enhance our collective skills and improve our overall impression. Riding in the cavalry is a skill that must be learned and subsequently maintained; it doesn’t come from trail riding. Are you ready to train so that you can join the ranks in a manner that enhances a unit’s impression?

Cavalry reenacting is a blast! There’s nothing like the thrill of a saber charge against opposing forces, thundering over the battlefield knee to knee with your file mates as you pound into the enemy’s line. However, it’s a hobby in which potential recruits should prepared mentally, physically, and financially. Make sure you know what you’re getting into. Most importantly, cavalry reenacting is a team effort, and your commitment to supporting your unit’s ideals is important so that everyone can enjoy the hobby together. If you’re ready to commit to this above, then you can consider that which follows.

Reenacting impression: Which branch of service do you really want to portray? The Cavalry turns heads as it thunders across the battlefield, but the Infantry requires much less equipment, and there’s no horse haul from event to event. They also have many more units to choose from and can be visually impressive on the battlefield owing to the sheer number of reenactors filling their ranks. Artillery, Signal Corps, and Medical Corps are also represented, each with its own advantages. There is even at least one group of Civil War Ballooning reenactors who sometimes fly scale models of reconnaissance balloons over the battlefield, as was done in the 1860s.

Cost: Not including the horse, you'll make an initial investment for period-correct uniforms and equipment. Once you have a good set of equipment, this sizeable initial investment will be out of the way, but you’ll still need to consider occasional repairs or replacements. As you get hooked on this hobby, you'll develop a list of extra stuff you've "gotta" have. Trust us, we know.

Sometimes, used uniforms and equipment are out there. We may know someone leaving the hobby, or you might find something on Craigslist or eBay. The latter can be a good option, but before you buy, ensure it’s what you need and free from unseen defects. 

The good news is that if one day you decide to leave the hobby, as long as you bought the right stuff in the first place, our uniforms and equipment never go out of style, so there is almost always a good market for anything in reasonable condition. See our Stuff link for an idea of what you’ll need and what you might want.

Unit personality: Like people, units have different personalities, and like-minded people tend to group together. Visit different units and look carefully at their personality before making any commitment. Consider how members relate to one another, make decisions, support fellow members, especially new members, and resolve conflict. Do they balance a serious approach to the hobby with a sense of humor? How would YOU fit in?

Unit leadership: Look also at a unit’s leadership. Are its officers and NCOs mindful of the abilities and needs of those in the ranks? Do they offer help and support if someone is having problems? Do they seem to understand that while this is a military hobby, the unit comprises volunteers who want to have a good time? And can the leadership tactfully remind unit members that while they’re having a good time, they should remember that this is a military hobby and that uniformity, discipline, and horse control are essential for both the unit impression and so that all can enjoy the event equally? It’s not an easy balance to achieve.

Consider also how leaders reach their positions—is the membership involved in the choice, or is the leadership self-appointed? Either way can work. Our unit is democratic, and all have a say in how we operate and who leads us. We’ve also known units founded and led by dynamic individuals who work hard to keep them going and whose efforts result in a top-notch impression. Both systems have their plusses and minuses. Talk to the membership to see what they think.

Safety: How does a unit approach safety? Do they have and adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)? Most units in this hobby are very careful when handling sabers, firearms, artillery, and other period weapons. We know that despite engaging in mock battles and firing blank ammunition, lives could be on the line if our weapons are mishandled or aren’t properly maintained. Our unit conducts formal inspections at every event to ensure our weapons are clean, functional and well-maintained.

As a cavalry unit, we’re also mindful of horse safety. Most of us are used to working around large, sometimes unpredictable animals, so this is second nature to us, though it may be more challenging for those who haven’t spent much time with horses. We also keep in mind that our horses get a good workout on the battlefield, often in extreme heat and for long periods, so we don’t ask them to work unnecessarily outside of scheduled activities during events.

Your tolerance level is entirely up to you, and there’s something for everyone. However, we don’t recommend joining a unit with a more conservative demeanor if you’re ready to turn on John Wayne or vice versa. You won’t be able to change them, which will only lead to frustration for both you and them.

Historical accuracy: We touched on this above. This hobby is for persons genuinely interested in our portrayal’s history. Consider what value, in both word and deed, the group places on maintaining an accurate portrayal of the 19th-century United States Cavalry trooper. How is this evident in drill, tactics, uniforms, weapons, camp activity, and appearance? Does the group really know its unit history and keep rank to a minimum? Does it honor the tradition of the Federal or Confederate Cavalry by striving to achieve the best impression possible?

Family Members: Does the unit welcome family members to the hobby? If you have family you would like to participate with you, ensure you find a unit that welcomes spouses and children. Most do, though some might focus more intensely on the combatant side of their impression. Our unit welcomes family members; they enhance the camp with their civilian impressions, and some of us have kids who have grown up spending weekends reenacting. Our families make our hobby even more enjoyable. 

Logistics: Where do most of the group's events occur, and how far are you willing to drive? How does the group share work details? How are meals planned and executed? Can the unit loan equipment to newcomers? In general, how well does a unit plan to support itself at an event, and how well is this information shared with individual members so that all are prepared for a fulfilling, enjoyable weekend?

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Once you've decided if this is a commitment you can make, determine what impression you want to portray and what group you want to join. The rest is pretty straightforward. Ask us if you don’t know where to look for a unit. We have contacts throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe.