Mounted Escort

There are no rules for mounted escorts, but several sound principles. Most important are these:

UNIFORMITY—The horses used should be of generally uniform appearance in height, weight, conformation, color and type. The bridles and saddles should be the same or at least very similar. All or none should use blankets or pads and, if blankets or pads are used, they should be uniform in design, color and shape. All should wear halter shanks or martingales—or none should. If halter shanks are used, the rope should be of good quality and whitewashed.

The riders, of course, should be in an appropriate uniform. DIGNITY—A mounted organization or detachment should take its work seriously. It is a dignified assignment and dignity is called for. With dignity, come cleanliness and sparkle—"spit and polish." Horses should be well groomed, their hoofs oiled; tack should be clean and metal parts should glisten. Uniforms of the riders should be well fitting, clean and pressed—the men should be shaven. Commands should be clear and crisp, and there should be no more than are necessary for control. There should be no talking in ranks.

FORMATIONS SUITABLE TO THE OCCASION-Regular cavalry formation—line, columns of 2's, 3's, 4's, 6's or 8's—or a diamond may be used as such, or modified to suit the occasion. Sometimes the mounted unit will march as a unit in a specific place in the parade. At other times, a portion of it will precede, while another portion follows motor vehicles or people on foot. On some occasions, a small group may flank motor vehicles.

The parade marshal generally will have a pretty good idea of what he wants in and from a mounted detachment. If the capabilities and limitations of the mounted group permit it, the marshal's directions are followed. If his desires appear impractical or beyond the capabilities of the mounted group—or his plan does not appear to use the mounted group to its greatest effectiveness—he should be informed of this with a positive suggestion for a better use of the mounted group.

PRECISION—When joining a parade, persons to be escorted during the parade, at any change of formation, and on leaving, the mounted detachment should form, move and conduct itself with precision, military bearing and order.

ABILITY—Be sure that the horses and men selected are up to the job required of them. The impression made by a mounted escort is easily spoiled by fractious horses and also by laggards (especially unduly pokey ones). Certainly poor and careless riding, unmilitary bearing, improperly adjusted tack and, of course, lack of cleanliness, make perhaps an even worse impression. Pick your horses and men for the job.

PLANNING—The simplest worthwhile effort requires planning. This means a full and accurate knowledge of what is to be done. Consideration is given to how it will be accomplished, what formation is best, where the group will meet and be dismissed; by what means, with what personnel, and the source of these; who will be responsible for what, who will get what, who will check what; how much practice is required, where and when it will be held, where the group will meet, how members will be kept informed; and so on and so on, through a myriad of details.

There is only one way to do this. Make out a list of things to be done, who will do them, when they should be completed and who will check progress and see that each job is properly completed on time. PRACTICE—Practice, of course, makes perfect; but there is seldom time for enough practice to assure perfection. Some practice, however, is necessary. Plan for this and do it. You have got to put on a good show and you must have some practice to do this.

RESPONSIBILITY—Responsibility must be clearly established. There must be a responsible head of the group. He, in turn, should designate the responsibilities of key individuals and they, in turn, the responsibilities of others. The responsibility and chain of command having been established, all must cooperate in observing and respecting it.

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