Why the Horse in War?
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• So many pivotal points in civilization
involve the horse. Many of today’s training regimens for the horse
originated from the military
• The Equine Disciplines; Dressage, Steeplechase, Endurance, Polo
and Horse
Racing were all training for the cavalry
• Horse Shows derived from military traditions
• Veterinarian care, treatment and shoeing as well as boarding and feed
• Breeding was greatly influenced by the military cavalry
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General:
Q: Do you have expenses for educational events?
A: The care, feeding, health and maintenance of horses
is expensive. Along with grooming, training and the tack & uniforms,
this adds up quickly. (Historically, fielding cavalry regiments was a financial burden
to many a king or queen!) WHAM is a 501-3c and in order to keep in operation
it needs donations and honorariums to help defray the many costs. Donations
to WHAM is a tax deduction, but it is recommended that you consult your tax consultant
regarding this.
Q: Are any of the events free?
A: Yes. WHAM performs at many events solely on it's own expenses. But our pockets are limited and we can only do so much, without your help. Visit our community web site www.warhorsefoundation.com for community notices.
Q: How can I learn more about horses and cavalry?
A: Come to one of our events and meet the horses and riders.
It is one thing to read about it in books or see it in movies but in person,
you will see the horses up close! Tell us what type of cavalry you are interested
in and we will be happy to refer you to one of our specialist.
Q: Do you teach riding?
A: WHAM offers or can refer some private trainers.
We can help volunteers become more proficient on and around horses as well
as being safe.
Q: Do you train horses?
A: We mold horses to our drill and classical style of riding
for those in the drill team, parades and festivals.
Q: What kind of riding do you do?
A: We do extreme riding, examples: galloping, precision riding,
rugged terrain, mountains, formation riding, weapons use etc. We do not
attempt to endanger our horses.
Q: What kind of expertise you have?
A: We are always expanding our knowledge base in military research,
uniforms, equipment, and especially cavalry. We can offer material and educational
programs on a range of options and details for accuracy.
We can review the script to check for cavalry tactics and discuss in preproduction
with the stunt coordinator on battle tactics and use of the horses. On the set,
we can manage the non-stunt riders/actors, horses and rehearse the
group into a cavalry regiment.
Horse Safety:
Q: Are horses dangerous?
A: Yes, the potential is there, horses are large animals that
can be spooked and accidentally run into someone or something.
What we do is try lower these risks by training the horses to
various conditions and mitigate the safety issues at each event to ensure a safe,
fun event.
Our horses have performed in front of thousands of people, and have been
petted and photographed up close. By conditioning and training, our horses
are used to music and people, cars, trucks, dogs and carriages.
WHAM will discuss with the venue, the condition of the pavement/ground, the slope,
the height clearance, the distance from the public and what dividers exist. Often
we add ground personal to escort the public around the horses or at photo opportunities.
On film shoots, WHAM will have a wrangler caring for the horses when not in use
to ensure their safety. WHAM will also ask, what is the local traffic conditions;
foot and motor. Are children running around, are objects being thrown, are there
sudden noises? These are all questions and issues to be addressed. WHAM will
often step in and ask the public to refrain from an activity until the horses
are clear. WHAM has three areas of concern, for the public safety, the riders
and the horses.
WHAM will ask the venue director or AD that these objects (if not planned
and rehearsed) are not used in close proximity of the horses: Nose makers, gunfire,
objects thrown, sudden movement or surprises, smoke machines etc.
WHAM will also request that all safety instructions by the staff and riders be
obeyed by the public and crew. |
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Simple rules to follow.
1. Make sure all of the guests, crew and public are aware that
there are horses in proximity.
2. Ask the rider, is it safe to...?
3. Stay away from the horses if they appear agitated.
4. Walk or drive by horses s-l-o-w-l-y.
5. Stay away from a horse's rear end. When startled, they do sometimes kick. |
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Damage to the Grass:
Q: Don't horses damage grass and plants?
A: Actually no and not long term, and usually if there is any
damage, it is cosmetic. Horses weigh a lot so their feet will press or flatten
the grass, if standing in an area for a long time. In a day or two, the grass, if
maintained and watered, will be standing again.
We bring feed and snacks for the horses so that they do not need to dine
on the grass.
Studies have been made, and soccer games cause far more permanent and lasting
damage to grass soccer fields. Polo games on grass has galloping horses, however,
the hoofs only cut the edges which can be placed back in after a match. Soccer
cleats though, tear and shred the grass by the roots and remove the grass. Look
at an active grass soccer field and you will see large dirt areas and then
inspect a grass polo field and you see grass.
Q: What about the poop and urine?
A: When nature calls, horses have to go potty. We pick
up the manure where the horses are picketed or tied or at small holding areas.
Our goal is to Otherwise if the manure is spread around the grass; it will flake
and be absorbed into the grass. Horse poop is fertilizer too! Urine is not going
to kill the grass. It does sometimes have a strong smell. But a water hose can
dilute this in a few minutes.
On parade routes and wedding escorts on pavement, we cannot pick up.
Q: What do you feed your horses on location?
A: To keep our horses in tip top athletic shape, we feed them
special diets. So we bring the food and supplements where ever we go.
Q: Do you need water?
A: Yes, a clean accessible supply of water is a big help. We
have portable water but it is limited. We bring large buckets, because horses
do drink a lot.
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