Picacho Weekend

Each year B Troop goes to Picacho Peak state park to help re-enact a series of battles that occurred in the southwest United States during the Civil War. The battles re-enacted include those at Valverde, Glorieta Pass, and Picacho Pass. Although our unit represents the Indian Wars period that occurred some 20 years after the Civil War, our uniforms and tack are considered close enough for the purposes of this event.

We left Fort Huachuca on Friday afternoon and set up our camp at the park in the usual spot. We are not re-enactors, so we do not establish an authentic camp. We do not circle the wagons so much as circle the RVs in a location far removed from the re-enactor camp. We are also constrained by a host of rules such as, "no mounted raids upon the Confederate camp", that were written in response to some of the activities of B Troop over the past 30 years or so.

Although I was not originally planning on riding in the event, I decided it was time for the Wonder Horse to get some training in battlefield activities. I have avoided taking him in previous years because I did not think he was ready. This year, I decided it was time. One of our horses was injured the first night in the camp (scratched eye and bent shoe), and so we ended up with more troopers than horses. As a result, I elected to ride in the morning and let someone else ride in the other battles. I figured it would be enough for Apache.

The battlefield is a traumatic experience for most horses due to the loud sounds of musket volleys and cannon fire. Our horses generally don't like it but tolerate it as best they can. I have never known a horse to completely lose it during these events but, they will shy away from the gunfire at times. I had no idea what Apache would do, but figured he was finally mature enough to handle it.

When we rode up to the battle area from our camp and waited for the march onto the field, I noticed that Apache was already lathered. Although that would be alarming for any other horse, it is quite normal for the Wonder Horse. He is an excitably boy. To his credit, though, he stood quietly as people gathered around to take photos and gawk at us. I looked forward with a mixture of curiosity and anxiety to what Apache would do once the battle started.

When we finally marched onto the battlefield, Apache was still calm and remained so until we were ordered to "advance carbines". Apache hates the carbine. We then trotted out to face the Confederate pickets. I say "trotted, but Apache was galloping at a trotting speed, if you can imagine that. It is like jogging in place. His feet were moving in a gallop, but we weren't going anywhere. Once onto the battlefield, we opened fire with our carbines from a skirmish line and then pulled out our pistols and blazed away. Amazingly, I was not involuntarily dismounted during the carbine volley although, it was close. After I somehow got the carbine back into the boot and pulled my pistol, the Wonder Horse began spinning in a circle. Each time we spun around I would fire off a round in the direction of the enemy. My comrades thought this was hilarious. Four times we did this, recovering to a rear area after each engagement to reload our weapons. Eventually, the battle scenario ended and we were able to ride back to the camp.

The best part of the Picacho weekend is the "camaraderie" that takes place around the campfire after dinner. It is hard to describe the beauty of a desert campfire beneath a bright canopy of stars. It is also hard to describe some of the activities that take place around the campfire after the whiskey bottle gets passed around a few times. Well, maybe not hard to describe but, not appropriate to describe. Needless to say, everyone had a great time and no rules were broken as far as the park rangers know.

The next day, was basically a repeat of the same. I again took Apache to the battlefield, and again, he got sweaty, but not as much. He also didn't spin around so much. He was much calmer. I do believe, though, that if I'd taken Apache out there for more than one battle a day, he would have dumped me out there. There is only so much change that the Wonder Horse can handle in one day. He did well for his first Picacho experience and will hopefully benefit from it.

After a long hot day of battles on Sunday we packed up and made the return trip to the fort. Everyone was tired but had a great time. I've given the horses a few days off to rest and recover as a lot was asked of them over the weekend.

The attached video by Ty Holland provides a good summary of the weekend. You can see me and the Wonder Horse in a few of the scenes. He is the sorrel with the blaze. Enjoy.