1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment

The 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment is a United States Army equestrian military unit. Posted at Fort Hood, Texas, it was activated in 1972 and is a subordinate unit of the 1st Cavalry Division.

History
In 1943, at the height of World War II, the 1st Cavalry Division disposed of its remaining horses. The Horse Cavalry Detachment was activated 29 years later, in 1972. It is one of seven horse-mounted units remaining in the U.S. Army.

In 2014 the first woman to lead the detachment, Captain Elizabeth Rascon, assumed command.

Mission
The detachment has primarily public duties functions. It participates in change of command and medal ceremonies, the U.S. presidential inauguration, and represents the 1st Cavalry Division in parades, riding demonstrations, and civic events. In addition to official state and military ceremonies, it has participated in the Rose Parade, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos, and U.S. Army recruiting events. Finally, a weekly mounted drill demonstrating equestrian vaulting and cavalry tactics, such as sabre charges, is held for the public by the detachment every Thursday morning at Fort Hood.

The Horse Cavalry Detachment's mounted drills are drawn from the U.S. Army's 1883 Manual of Cavalry Tactics.

Armaments and vehicles
The 40-soldier unit is equipped with 40 dark brown horses with minimal white markings which are outfitted with Model 1885 McClellan riding saddles that are hand-made by cavalry troopers in an on-site leather shop maintained at the unit's stables. Each of the unit's mounts are trained for approximately one year before being put into action. It, additionally, deploys 8 mules, a mascot dog (Sergeant Buddy), a Model 1878 supply wagon, and a M1841 light mountain howitzer. Individual soldiers are equipped with the Peacemaker revolver, Springfield model 1873 carbine rifle, and Model 1860 light cavalry saber.

Uniforms
The Horse Cavalry Detachment is designated by the U.S. Army as a "special ceremonial unit" which allows it to wear specialized, unit-specific uniforms not part of standard Army issue.