Very glad that there are Cavalry enthuiasts, much less re-enactors. I love Civil War history and have always been fascinated by Cavalry. Cavalry was a rough MOS and very dangerous.
Will, thanks for your subscription! While this first video is a little "long winded" with not a whole lot of "meat" we wanted to lay the foundation for expectations first. Since there are no other active units in our area, we had to learn everything from scratch. In some ways this was good, in others...not so much. In all the hours we spent trying to find answers to questions we had, the only thing we could find (easily) on facebook, youtube, and even the forums was only related to the infantry. I wish there were videos out there that had the content of what our unit learned within the first few years. So our goal is to regurgitate all our knowledge (as limited as it still is) in an easily accessible media.....We hope you will enjoy.
I am an infantry man, but i did enjoy the video. I have the same Shiloh And The Western Campaign Of 1862 by O . Edward Cunningham. Private James Mason Day 45th Illinios Volunteer Infantry Company C.
Matthew Horton, thanks for watching and hope you find our videos useful. However, while we are called the 11th Ohio Cav, we actually are based in Casper, Wyoming in the Rocky Mountains. The reason we call ourselves the 11th OVC is because that unit was the one unit stationed along the Oregon trail to keep it safe during the Civil War. So, we aren't in Ohio, we are in Wyoming! Thanks for watching.
As a historian by profession I would suggest that a table full of modern books on the Civil War is not really doing research. You are relying on a modern perspective that might be flawed which is copied over and over again. The best research is “primary” research which you touched on when you spoke about looking at vintage photographs, tintypes and ambrotypes. Just about every city or town in America has a historical society or antique shops where you can find them. Just be away that colors photographed differently in the 1860s. For instance yellow and red photographed as black. Blue photographed as a much lighter color.
I do infantry reenacting with the 69th PA, we tend to land in the middle of accuracy and farb. We care about some things in terms of look but in the privacy of camp after dark we don't care at all.
When it rains from Fri. night to Sun. night on your event, you find out exactly what kind of re-enactor you want to be. Or when it is 95F in the shade, and you're wearing a wool shirt and a wool jacket, and you're sitting a horse just as the main battle starts, and you gotta go... you just gotta go, you begin to wonder, what was I thinking? And when you wake up outside on the ground in your uniform, next to a fire where you slept just fine all night, and you're covered with two inches of snow, it just doesn't get any better than that.
Why isn’t there any reactior chaplains? If so how to git a hold of them?what is the cost of a civil war reactior out fit.? Or do you need to get a private uniform? What do you do if the person. Has a walking problem.?
When someone on an reenactment tells you that your jacket has the wrong stitching, while he sits on his folding chair in front of his 10m² tent you know you are in the wrong neighborhood ;)
I hated messing with gun power and paper tubes I made my own arounds for the carbine and for my revolvers and having the right gun powder ship to my farm and had to sit and roll and pack the powder in to tubes and then make the package of ten arounds I the package and then had to load the cylinders of the revolver in all three guns at one point I gave up carrying my revolver and my saber if I carry my saber it was tie to the saddle I kept my gear simple and i went from a shell jacket to a sack coat
Wish people would give more information on the horses... mount choice. riding and training techniques etc. I think people already into cavalry reenacting assume that if you are new and want to do it you are already into horses but that's probably incorrect. I think you could get a lot of new and younger interest in the hobby if presented in a more all encompassing way. I also would like to see the horse given more of a spotlight for no other reason than its earned it. I feel like the horses are just another piece of kit to be purchased for your costume when they should be your partner and the centerpiece of your reenacting. I'd like to see more practical application and arrangements of horse kit and methods/philosophies of just everyday travel. the big battles are cool but it's the day to day meals and time spent traveling on horseback where I think we can really connect with history. please I really enjoy the videos and I'm not trying to be negative. I'd just like a lot more information on the actual horse side of things. how historically where mounts chosen? what level of horsemanship training went into training recruits? both horse and rider. and most importantly how did your average cavalry soldier feel about his horse?
Dan, thanks for watching! Yes you are correct! We too feel similarly to your comments above. However, we are starting our video series from the perspective of a new person to cavalry reenacting. Like it or not, the first thing people generally get is the clothing and basic gear so that is what we are focusing on and building from there. Honestly, we already have a list of 245 video lessons and at the rate we are able to pump them out, we won't get too deep in horse training anytime soon. For your interest however, this is why we strongly urge you to read Poinsett's manual as it has an entire chapter on training. One can learn much about this hobby by reading that one manual. It pretty much covers everything you mentioned above. Thanks again and we will try to get to topics like this eventually.
I know a lot of units were dismounted permanently, yet still armed as cavalry. Some units (such as the 15th texas cavalry) consolidated with infantry units.
question what would a low ranking Cavalry officer wear? In other words what would a rookie cavalry officer wear? I'm asking as I can't seem to find one on google.
The hard part is the saddle do not go out and buy a McClellan saddle most seat our to small and do not fit people in today’s weight remember most troopers during the civil war only weight about150 or less today when people want to ride horses look in to a saddle marker that makes the old saddle from that period with today’s horse my saddle cost me 2,000 dollars because I needed a seat that was 17.5 and my horse was Morgan but he big barrel on him and needed a wider saddle tree then what Is shown in the videos and he was 15.6 hands tall and I needed a saddle that I can use trail riding camping and civil war and wanted to be comfortable riding 8 plus hrs at a time when days are longer and wanted to enjoy riding and being with my horse and wanted to use my civil war gear for all my riding needs and camping when I am way from my trailer for the weekend
Steve, it was explained to me, though, like you, I don't know this term to be exact. but it makes sense to me is, "Farbie" or "Far be it from me to tell you ... [whatever is supposedly inappropriately], or Farbie. i don't know if this is right, but it is what I've been told 'farbie' is or means. Just my offering, sir.
This is amazing! I am making a civil war film (docudrama) and I am considering involving reenactors in some scenes. Would you happen to know how I could contact different groups aside from your own?
Acdragonrider, there are a variety of units that each specialize in a different impression. What are you looking for? It might be best to email us separately and we could help you out. Please head to our unit website at www.11thohiocavalry.com and contact us through the "Contact us" tab. Thanks!
Do not buy tack with out buying your horse first and try out the bits first my Morgan never could get use to the curb bit I use on him was a snaffle bit and a leather strap and my reins were one piece never split reins that is what my horse was use to when I got him and to stay with that set up and use that set up for 5 years as a cavalry trooper and I use my cavalry blanket and cover that over a basic wool saddle pad remember the horse has to carry you you want him comfortable and you want to be comfortable as well use mounted blocks if you need to make sure you can mount from tree stump or if you need to mount from the ground that you find a place where your horse can stand lower then you so you can mount easier and buy gear that is right for you and your horse I never use any that was in the way of mounted to dismounted from the saddle
I really liked to get your perspective, especially from an Ohian. I have great respect for that state, and I'm from Tennessee. I have to ask your opinion on something thought. I see people put categories in black and white, such as you are either a farb, mainstream, or hardcore (or progressive). You mention you can't have your cell phones at all, and main stream reenactors bring things wrapped in plastic. Is there such thing as an area of grey? We avoid using cell phones and modern items at all cost, only if it's an emergency. My first reenactment was about 3 weeks ago, and the only time anyone brought out anything modern was for emergencies. They had to tape duct tape on my feet because the brogans were way too big and I got blisters. Could you still be considered hardcore under these circumstances?
James, that is what we are trying to communicate in this video. This hobby is nothing but grey. One will NEVER get to have a "perfect" impression. Very much like a Christian models himself after Christ and tries to live a perfect life, it is an impossible feat and by definition are hypocritical. However, they still strive for perfection. Our hobby is very much the same. What one event considers Farby, another event may not even know the difference. I personally use the "3 Strikes" rule when it comes to what is deemed unacceptable. We all cannot have perfect impressions or a perfect understanding of drill. This is a hobby after all. Our group allows 3 "farbisms" before we ask you to change or modify your impression. And what is considered Farby will vary from event to event. For instance, we went to one event where the standards were high and the impression was a late war western cav trooper. Therefore if you wore a early war leather strap canteen, Trimmed Shell Jacket, and had a non-issue breast strap for your horse/saddle. Then those would be your "allowed" strikes against you. However, keep in mind that almost all our new recruits start with at least one or two strikes against them simply because of their lack of knowledge in the manual/drill/army life/etc. We are definitely flexible with them and as you can see from our pictures on our facebook page, we are NOT an authentic unit.
Also James, I have to burst your bubble. We are from Wyoming not Ohio. The 11th Ohio Cav was stationed in Wyoming during the later part of the Civil War after Morgan's Raid in OH. So we live in the Rocky Mountains but represent the 11th Ohio Cav that was stationed out here.
James, That is a tough question. A good m1860 "light Cavalry" reproduction is very hard to find. When doing a non-combat impression I actually use an original import that is more similar to the M1860 than today's reproductions, however if I know we will play with the "Dancing Saber Fairies" then I use the standard reproduction available at most sutlers. The biggest thing is to stay away from any reproduction that has a nut at the bottom/hilt of the saber. Those will eventually come loose and tend to break easier than the others. Let me know if this helps. Thanks!
James, it is the same standard reproduction that can be found at most other sutlers. It will definitely work, and I must admit that is what I use for most of my mainstream events. Our biggest thing is to make sure it doesn't have the screw nut at the hilt/bottom of the saber.
Thanks for video... I'm a writer who bought the 1862 U.S. Cavalry manual and had a difficult time figuring the formation... trying to figure it out... any idea of how to read the manual better? Thanks...
+Jim Smith , Thanks for contacting us! The 1862 Manual (Cooke's) is a bit different than Poinsett's Manual but they both get a bit boring within the first few pages which makes it difficult to get through an entire section. I personally had a hard time understanding everything until I saw it in action in the field. Unless you have a really good mind in which you can teach yourself seemingly complicated subjects, I would ask anyone you may know who already knows the manual to help you out. After that, I recommend that you simply start in the front of the book and work through it. Both manuals are written in a way which builds on each section (like learning math). While it may be boring to learn how to stand at attention, form up in line, and count by 4's, it will help you understand the School of the Trooper (Mounted), School of the Platoon (mounted), etc. We will be doing some video's on both manuals in the future but for now I recommend that you start working though it. If you have any specific questions, I would be happy to talk to you more privately. Simply message me via youtube and we can go from there. Happy Learning!
Saddle spent the money get a saddle made for you and your horse do not buy anything that is out there there is good saddle markers that make McClellan saddle that fits today’s horse and the rider I needed a 17.5 seat and wide saddle tree for my Morgan cost me 2,000.00 and wanted one that I can use for long rides and for camping when I am way from the trailer
Allen, The 11th OVC was mainly from Highland County Ohio. Its Col and later one of their LT's was from Hilsboro, OH. They trained at Camp Dennnison outside Cincinnati.
HemlockRidge, Thanks for your concern. We are aware of the difference between Calvary and cavalry (thus the correctly spelled title). Sorry that our presenter tends to slur his speech a little. We have been working on that! LOL. Thanks for watching!
I'm a cavalry reenactor in Kansas and I must say that I am looking forward to what this channel can provide!
Very glad that there are Cavalry enthuiasts, much less re-enactors. I love Civil War history and have always been fascinated by Cavalry. Cavalry was a rough MOS and very dangerous.
Brian Fuller so was infantry very dangerous think rather be cavalry given a choice.
was a tough life ... and still is :)
Will, thanks for your subscription! While this first video is a little "long winded" with not a whole lot of "meat" we wanted to lay the foundation for expectations first. Since there are no other active units in our area, we had to learn everything from scratch. In some ways this was good, in others...not so much. In all the hours we spent trying to find answers to questions we had, the only thing we could find (easily) on facebook, youtube, and even the forums was only related to the infantry. I wish there were videos out there that had the content of what our unit learned within the first few years. So our goal is to regurgitate all our knowledge (as limited as it still is) in an easily accessible media.....We hope you will enjoy.
I am an infantry man, but i did enjoy the video. I have the same Shiloh And The Western Campaign Of 1862 by O . Edward Cunningham. Private James Mason Day 45th Illinios Volunteer Infantry Company C.
A decent cavalry impression is a rare thing! You look great, wish there was more of ya!
7th Indiana cavalry here. Great resource.
A member of our Unit came across your videos. This intro was great for the newbies as well as a refresher for the veterans.
Your Videos helped me a lot. Thank you very much and greetings from Bavaria to Ohio!
With so many older guys in reenactment I wonder if there will ba a civil war veterans reenactment group.
Hey man I admire your your work I believe I met you at fort Caspar Collins days for 150th. I was the orderly for the artillery aspect of that weekend.
What a wonderful and timely reply :) I will read it and I appreciate your suggestion. I will continue to watch
Man, I haven't been to Ohio for a reenactment but looks like you guys go haarrrd....
Matthew Horton, thanks for watching and hope you find our videos useful. However, while we are called the 11th Ohio Cav, we actually are based in Casper, Wyoming in the Rocky Mountains. The reason we call ourselves the 11th OVC is because that unit was the one unit stationed along the Oregon trail to keep it safe during the Civil War. So, we aren't in Ohio, we are in Wyoming! Thanks for watching.
11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry
Goinnnnggg Haarrrdd!!!! Over 9 Thousand!!
All the love in the world! Respect.
Fantastic channel - Rey happy to see that you are still active and posting! Greetings from the 8th Connecticut Co. A!
As a historian by profession I would suggest that a table full of modern books on the Civil War is not really doing research. You are relying on a modern perspective that might be flawed which is copied over and over again. The best research is “primary” research which you touched on when you spoke about looking at vintage photographs, tintypes and ambrotypes. Just about every city or town in America has a historical society or antique shops where you can find them. Just be away that colors photographed differently in the 1860s. For instance yellow and red photographed as black. Blue photographed as a much lighter color.
These are good videos for you that are starting out
I do infantry reenacting with the 69th PA, we tend to land in the middle of accuracy and farb. We care about some things in terms of look but in the privacy of camp after dark we don't care at all.
Bravo, looking forward to the rest of your vids.
When it rains from Fri. night to Sun. night on your event, you find out exactly what kind of re-enactor you want to be. Or when it is 95F in the shade, and you're wearing a wool shirt and a wool jacket, and you're sitting a horse just as the main battle starts, and you gotta go... you just gotta go, you begin to wonder, what was I thinking? And when you wake up outside on the ground in your uniform, next to a fire where you slept just fine all night, and you're covered with two inches of snow, it just doesn't get any better than that.
You can't enjoy the great times without experiencing the miserable times!
That stuff makes memories!
I love your guys' content and the way you present it along with primary sources. Keep em' coming and stay in the saddle!
hazzza to OVC .. hope to see you in the field some day.
Tysm I plan to put together a cavalry uniform!
Thank you for this video! It has been a huge help!
Thanks for watching!
Why isn’t there any reactior chaplains? If so how to git a hold of them?what is the cost of a civil war reactior out fit.? Or do you need to get a private uniform? What do you do if the person. Has a walking problem.?
Great video and advice
Why isn’t there any reactior chaplains? If so how to git a hold of them?
When someone on an reenactment tells you that your jacket has the wrong stitching, while he sits on his folding chair in front of his 10m² tent you know you are in the wrong neighborhood ;)
I hated messing with gun power and paper tubes I made my own arounds for the carbine and for my revolvers and having the right gun powder ship to my farm and had to sit and roll and pack the powder in to tubes and then make the package of ten arounds I the package and then had to load the cylinders of the revolver in all three guns at one point I gave up carrying my revolver and my saber if I carry my saber it was tie to the saddle I kept my gear simple and i went from a shell jacket to a sack coat
My great great great grandfather was in the 8th KY Calvary (Union). Sadly, I can’t find much information or uniform information on them.
Terrific video !
Wish people would give more information on the horses... mount choice. riding and training techniques etc. I think people already into cavalry reenacting assume that if you are new and want to do it you are already into horses but that's probably incorrect. I think you could get a lot of new and younger interest in the hobby if presented in a more all encompassing way. I also would like to see the horse given more of a spotlight for no other reason than its earned it. I feel like the horses are just another piece of kit to be purchased for your costume when they should be your partner and the centerpiece of your reenacting. I'd like to see more practical application and arrangements of horse kit and methods/philosophies of just everyday travel. the big battles are cool but it's the day to day meals and time spent traveling on horseback where I think we can really connect with history. please I really enjoy the videos and I'm not trying to be negative. I'd just like a lot more information on the actual horse side of things. how historically where mounts chosen? what level of horsemanship training went into training recruits? both horse and rider. and most importantly how did your average cavalry soldier feel about his horse?
Dan, thanks for watching! Yes you are correct! We too feel similarly to your comments above. However, we are starting our video series from the perspective of a new person to cavalry reenacting. Like it or not, the first thing people generally get is the clothing and basic gear so that is what we are focusing on and building from there. Honestly, we already have a list of 245 video lessons and at the rate we are able to pump them out, we won't get too deep in horse training anytime soon. For your interest however, this is why we strongly urge you to read Poinsett's manual as it has an entire chapter on training. One can learn much about this hobby by reading that one manual. It pretty much covers everything you mentioned above. Thanks again and we will try to get to topics like this eventually.
Hi Guys. I liked the video alot. I have one wish, a bit higher video resolution. If it´s possible. Thank you.
+Visker , we are working on that currently. Our video production equipment is to be desired. We are glad you are enjoying the videos!
I know a lot of units were dismounted permanently, yet still armed as cavalry. Some units (such as the 15th texas cavalry) consolidated with infantry units.
is CCSutlery a bad vendor?
question what would a low ranking Cavalry officer wear? In other words what would a rookie cavalry officer wear? I'm asking as I can't seem to find one on google.
The hard part is the saddle do not go out and buy a McClellan saddle most seat our to small and do not fit people in today’s weight remember most troopers during the civil war only weight about150 or less today when people want to ride horses look in to a saddle marker that makes the old saddle from that period with today’s horse my saddle cost me 2,000 dollars because I needed a seat that was 17.5 and my horse was Morgan but he big barrel on him and needed a wider saddle tree then what Is shown in the videos and he was 15.6 hands tall and I needed a saddle that I can use trail riding camping and civil war and wanted to be comfortable riding 8 plus hrs at a time when days are longer and wanted to enjoy riding and being with my horse and wanted to use my civil war gear for all my riding needs and camping when I am way from my trailer for the weekend
Steve, it was explained to me, though, like you, I don't know this term to be exact. but it makes sense to me is, "Farbie" or "Far be it from me to tell you ... [whatever is supposedly inappropriately], or Farbie. i don't know if this is right, but it is what I've been told 'farbie' is or means. Just my offering, sir.
Looking for a mounted unit in south east Texas.
was their dragoons in the calvary
This is amazing! I am making a civil war film (docudrama) and I am considering involving reenactors in some scenes. Would you happen to know how I could contact different groups aside from your own?
Acdragonrider, there are a variety of units that each specialize in a different impression. What are you looking for? It might be best to email us separately and we could help you out. Please head to our unit website at www.11thohiocavalry.com and contact us through the "Contact us" tab. Thanks!
in northwest texas and the pan handle we or staring a reenacting group percha the confederate fronter regament that sherve on the texas fronter
Do not buy tack with out buying your horse first and try out the bits first my Morgan never could get use to the curb bit I use on him was a snaffle bit and a leather strap and my reins were one piece never split reins that is what my horse was use to when I got him and to stay with that set up and use that set up for 5 years as a cavalry trooper and I use my cavalry blanket and cover that over a basic wool saddle pad remember the horse has to carry you you want him comfortable and you want to be comfortable as well use mounted blocks if you need to make sure you can mount from tree stump or if you need to mount from the ground that you find a place where your horse can stand lower then you so you can mount easier and buy gear that is right for you and your horse I never use any that was in the way of mounted to dismounted from the saddle
I really liked to get your perspective, especially from an Ohian. I have great respect for that state, and I'm from Tennessee. I have to ask your opinion on something thought. I see people put categories in black and white, such as you are either a farb, mainstream, or hardcore (or progressive). You mention you can't have your cell phones at all, and main stream reenactors bring things wrapped in plastic. Is there such thing as an area of grey? We avoid using cell phones and modern items at all cost, only if it's an emergency. My first reenactment was about 3 weeks ago, and the only time anyone brought out anything modern was for emergencies. They had to tape duct tape on my feet because the brogans were way too big and I got blisters. Could you still be considered hardcore under these circumstances?
James, that is what we are trying to communicate in this video. This hobby is nothing but grey. One will NEVER get to have a "perfect" impression. Very much like a Christian models himself after Christ and tries to live a perfect life, it is an impossible feat and by definition are hypocritical. However, they still strive for perfection. Our hobby is very much the same. What one event considers Farby, another event may not even know the difference.
I personally use the "3 Strikes" rule when it comes to what is deemed unacceptable. We all cannot have perfect impressions or a perfect understanding of drill. This is a hobby after all. Our group allows 3 "farbisms" before we ask you to change or modify your impression. And what is considered Farby will vary from event to event. For instance, we went to one event where the standards were high and the impression was a late war western cav trooper. Therefore if you wore a early war leather strap canteen, Trimmed Shell Jacket, and had a non-issue breast strap for your horse/saddle. Then those would be your "allowed" strikes against you. However, keep in mind that almost all our new recruits start with at least one or two strikes against them simply because of their lack of knowledge in the manual/drill/army life/etc. We are definitely flexible with them and as you can see from our pictures on our facebook page, we are NOT an authentic unit.
Also James, I have to burst your bubble. We are from Wyoming not Ohio. The 11th Ohio Cav was stationed in Wyoming during the later part of the Civil War after Morgan's Raid in OH. So we live in the Rocky Mountains but represent the 11th Ohio Cav that was stationed out here.
Wish I had the money to do this
Wear can i get a m1860 cavalry sword like what you have. Or wear did you get yours? P.S. i meant saber not sword😀THANKS!
James, That is a tough question. A good m1860 "light Cavalry" reproduction is very hard to find. When doing a non-combat impression I actually use an original import that is more similar to the M1860 than today's reproductions, however if I know we will play with the "Dancing Saber Fairies" then I use the standard reproduction available at most sutlers. The biggest thing is to stay away from any reproduction that has a nut at the bottom/hilt of the saber. Those will eventually come loose and tend to break easier than the others. Let me know if this helps. Thanks!
11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry is the regamental quartramaster m1860 any good?
James, it is the same standard reproduction that can be found at most other sutlers. It will definitely work, and I must admit that is what I use for most of my mainstream events. Our biggest thing is to make sure it doesn't have the screw nut at the hilt/bottom of the saber.
11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry alright then thanks!😀
Thanks for video... I'm a writer who bought the 1862 U.S. Cavalry manual and had a difficult time figuring the formation... trying to figure it out... any idea of how to read the manual better? Thanks...
+Jim Smith , Thanks for contacting us! The 1862 Manual (Cooke's) is a bit different than Poinsett's Manual but they both get a bit boring within the first few pages which makes it difficult to get through an entire section. I personally had a hard time understanding everything until I saw it in action in the field. Unless you have a really good mind in which you can teach yourself seemingly complicated subjects, I would ask anyone you may know who already knows the manual to help you out. After that, I recommend that you simply start in the front of the book and work through it. Both manuals are written in a way which builds on each section (like learning math). While it may be boring to learn how to stand at attention, form up in line, and count by 4's, it will help you understand the School of the Trooper (Mounted), School of the Platoon (mounted), etc. We will be doing some video's on both manuals in the future but for now I recommend that you start working though it. If you have any specific questions, I would be happy to talk to you more privately. Simply message me via youtube and we can go from there. Happy Learning!
Saddle spent the money get a saddle made for you and your horse do not buy anything that is out there there is good saddle markers that make McClellan saddle that fits today’s horse and the rider I needed a 17.5 seat and wide saddle tree for my Morgan cost me 2,000.00 and wanted one that I can use for long rides and for camping when I am way from the trailer
Subbed ;)
Oh that's cool I'm from Ohio
Nah grunt shiz fun
It's better to be a grayback because you can wear anything.
Police call, not so much
was not the 11th from columbus ohio.
Allen,
The 11th OVC was mainly from Highland County Ohio. Its Col and later one of their LT's was from Hilsboro, OH. They trained at Camp Dennnison outside Cincinnati.
Oh, the hicks above Brown county, yes I was from cicinnatti so I know where camp dennison is by milford ohio..
QUIT pushing the horses face
Z
Stop saying Calvary.
HemlockRidge, Thanks for your concern. We are aware of the difference between Calvary and cavalry (thus the correctly spelled title). Sorry that our presenter tends to slur his speech a little. We have been working on that! LOL. Thanks for watching!