The Horse Comes First... Do you need to be trained prior to joining? No, in fact we have had members join us with little training and they have done just fine. Its important to know that " the horse comes first." Just what does that mean? One thing it means is that in order to become an accomplished rider you must understand the horse. You must be willing to care for the horse before you care for yourself. You must be able and willing to care for your horse needs nutritionally, physically and emotionally. You must be willing to become your horses friend and bond with your horse. You must understand that your horse will, if he trust you, give its life for you. You must also understand that if you mistreat your horse he can and will hurt you or even take your life. A bond between horse and rider is one of the wonderful gifts God gave to us. Its not one that can be taken for granted and its not one that comes easy. It takes lots of hard work on both of your parts. We have a motto in the 8th Texas Cavalry Co. B. It goes thus, "We may reenact in the 19th century but our horses live in this one." This means to us that we seek out the very best care and instruction. If our horse is injured or ill we do not take to the field on it. How to train your horse and in some cases take care of your horse, you can review  numerous cavalry manuals which are Patton's Cavalry Manual, Wheelers revised System of Cavalry Tactics CSA 1863 manual, Cook's Cavalry Manual, Davis' 1862 CSA Cavalry Manual, Poinsetts Cavalry Manual and several US Cavalry Manuals dating from 1850 though 1943.  Remember, your horse comes first!