How to Train Horses for Civil War Reenacting

Horses used for Civil War reenactments must be trained much as war horses once were: to handle other horses and riders galloping all around them; men rushing about, shouting; the sound of guns firing, sabers rattling and bugles calling; the sight of banners waving; and the feeling of having a rider fall if he is "hit." An untrained horse would be frightened by all this and could injure itself, its rider or spectators, so specialized training is required so that the horse will realize that nothing will hurt it during a reenactment. Training can take many months.

Things You'll Need

  • Saber
  • Equine ear plugs
  • Recorded music of battle noise and bugles
  • Balloons
  • Guns
  • Military saddle
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Mount the horse and have a helper wave a banner, towel or jacket at it from about 25 feet away. Ask the helper to move closer after a few minutes. Stop if the horse becomes too agitated. The aim is to be able to wave items directly in front the horse and even flap against its neck and sides. Repeat in 20-minute sessions twice daily, until the horse is no longer bothered.

    • 2

      Mount the horse, and then have an assistant pass a saber to you. Slowly wave the sword from the horse's sides and near its neck. Repeat until the horse is not agitated. Keep sessions no longer than 20 minutes at a time. Have another rider with a saber move toward you. Engage in a slow motion "fight." Begin slowly and simply. Repeat twice daily until the horse is relaxed with saddle-to-saddle combat.

    • 3

      Use balloons as an inexpensive way to get a horse used to sudden loud noises. Put the horse in an arena and pop balloons from 30 to 40 feet away, where the horse can see you. Pop more balloons as you move closer. Then get into the arena and pop another. Repeat until the horse is not frightened. Mount the horse and pop balloons while you are on its back, until it shows no concern. Place plugs in the horse's ears and stand near it while you fire a weapon in the air. Repeat until you can mount the horse and fire from its back. Always insert earplugs before firing a weapon.

    • 4

      Put a military saddle on the horse and ride regularly in it, so that you can check it fits the horse well and does not rub. Play recorded battle noises and bugles. Work in an arena with a soft surface. Accustom the horse to you sliding off at random moments, so that it accepts you falling off during the reenactment.

    • 5

      After the horse is used to its saddle, with banners waving and loud noises, drill with others who will participate in the reenactment. Start with riding in formation. Practice regularly so that the horse knows what is expected. If you have prepared well, you both will enjoy the event.