Graduation Ceremony

Photos by Ty Holland

On Thursday we had a graduation ceremony for our new riders. It was the culmination of about six months of training. We had started the class with six riders but three of them had to drop out for various reasons. The three that finished, are good riders and will be an asset to the Troop.

The ceremony was hosted by the Garrison Commander and was well attended by the fort leadership as well as by the local press. This is the fourth time we've had a graduation ceremony and each time it gets a little more involved. The leadership at the fort really seems to understand the dedication and courage it takes to become a member of the Troop and they want the ceremony to be memorable.

After some introductory remarks, the invocation, and playing of the national anthem, the new troopers perform a pistol charge for the crowd. The lady graduates are trained in sidesaddle riding and so do not perform the charge. However, as ladies are sometimes required to suit up as troopers, they are also trained in the pistol charge and all aspects of cavalry riding. We try to remain faithful to the era we represent, so for the purposes of this ceremony, men are men and ladies are ladies. The ladies, of course, looked fantastic in their dresses. When they are dressed like this you'd never know that these young woman, who seemingly embody the very essence of femininity and grace, ride like she-devils when astride a McClellen and armed with pistol and saber. It is a testament to the versatility of these woman that they can play both roles so well and convincingly.







The men, likewise, show no lack of courage or vigor when riding. Both male graduates rode horses that are known for spirit and speed. Although new graduates typically execute their first public charge with eyes wide open, neither of these men exhibited any more sign of concern than a veteran of dozens of charges would have. It is hard to find men like these.

After the charge, the graduates dismounted and lined up in front of the crowd and the Garrison Commander made a short speech before presenting spurs to the troopers and a riding crop to the lady graduate. It is difficult not to be proud of them. It is not an easy accomplishment. Of the ten riders graduated in the previous three classes, only three still ride with the Troop. More people have left the Troop in this time than are riding with it now. It is not a hobby for the feint of heart.



After the ceremony, we held our traditional barbecue at the stables for the graduates and their families. Much time is demanded of riders so we try to include their family members as much as possible so they don't feel as if they've been abandoned. Hopefully our new riders will still be here next year to welcome the graduates of the next class.