WW1 cavalry troop expansion

[spydde]

For those not yet aware, I am the boss of a small and family based British yeomanry first world war cavalry troop.

I am looking at a controlled expansion of the troop slowly over the next few months, during the training season,
We will be working mainly in the Lancashire area, and have a promise of private funding for next year. Which gives us a lot of independance, meaning good locations, and free riding at shows.

We train regularly and are interested in people who want to help us recreate the troop, enthusiasm is as important as ability and we believe in training riders.
We have a small amount of troop kit to borrow so taking the strain off you.

We are looking for predominantly male riders and have a limited mounted role for the ladies, Couples or single males preferred.

if you are interested in joining training or the troop, please contact me on lancashire_hussars@hotmail.co.uk or through this page.

[matt4how]

sounds a great idea especially up north too. i for one is very interested in this and so is my partner.

[spydde]

Sure we will find a place for both of you

[Miss Costello]

What's the role for women if I might ask?

K

[spydde]

The ladies have got together to form a nursing yeomanry troop, where I can we are providing a place for them in the shows I am organising, of course there is the admission that women riders are easier to come by, but because we are working close to the general public the inclusion in the main troop is a difficult one, the plan is to provide access to the horses at most shows though.

[abaddon1974]

I am very interested in this, I used to be able to ride before a recent operation, I hope to be back in the saddle over the next few days to see if riding is still possible.
I am part way through building up Great War infantry kit, is there any cross over with the kit required?

Craig

[spydde]

The biggest change to kit is the breeches instead of the sd trousers, and the bandolier is a nine pouch one, webbing is not worn to any degree, except for the haversack, obviously post 1915 this included the gas mask, other than that badges (which we do have a supply of) and of course for safety sake the boots without hobnails, for riding, I find that George boots do the trick and are authentic up until 1915 for cavalry.

Once you go deeper there are other slight variations (mess tims, great coats) but basic uniform is the same apart from those parts mentioned.

Keep in touch via the email and let me know your progress , have to get together to chat.
Steve

[spydde]

I am very interested in this, I used to be able to ride before a recent operation, I hope to be back in the saddle over the next few days to see if riding is still possible.
I am part way through building up Great War infantry kit, is there any cross over with the kit required?

Craig

http://www.yeomangreatwar.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yeoman/135173409897904

going off your location think this group might be closer to you than us, also think the 16th lancers are based quite close to you http://www.16thlancers1914.com/

[Miss Costello]

Phew for a moment I thought there was going to be cross dressing! Look forward to seeing the group at events.

K

[spydde]

I am so glad you said that, the hardest job I have is convincing women that this isn't a pony club, and hence keep it small and tight, I have no problems training alongside the ladies, I have no problem teaching everything we do and full involvement away from the public, but when I see mixed troops it looks daft no matter how it is done.

It is a shame I could have a full troop, if I didn't mind it looking like the stoning scene from 'the Life of Brian'

But the reality is, it doesn't look right, and there is an element that won't take the reasons I give, and I really do not like saying it, but that's what happens when you are in charge, not all glamour.

But, in the right kit, and under the right conditions it can work..but that kit isn't sd

[Miss Costello]

I hate to see it, the question has been done to death on most forums but it drives me crackers. So many good roles for women, no need to cross dress.

K

[spydde]

horses/women a sort of craziness takes over, and reason is lost.
The problem is I really do appreciate the support our ladies show to the troop and they definately are in the lead during riding skills and drill. and will move heaven and earth to support them.
But I think the solution is the best, saddle time and preference to use the horses for a ride out, which near me means - beach ride

[Miss Costello]

And it would be nice to see a good FANY group.

[spydde]

At the moment I am organising a day in Blackpool. I am hoping to include the ladies as a team of riders, plus am looking at bringing in a horse drawn ambulance (fingers crossed) of course this would be the original fany wagon

[Bogwoppit]

And it would be nice to see a good FANY group.

Erm... there is already a good FANY group attached but not exclusive to the 16th Lancers

[spydde]

think the fany unit is about the biggest cavalry unit being fielded at the moment, isn't it?

[Bogwoppit]

think the fany unit is about the biggest cavalry unit being fielded at the moment, isn't it?

Probably, lol As you say, women tend to be in abundance where horses are concerned!

[spydde]

saw the photos from wrest park :0) sort of took over the event somewhat

[Bogwoppit]

Ah that's because Wrest Park was a FANY only EH event