Frequently asked questions
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Do I have to be an experienced rider to participate in a program at the U.S. Cavalry School? |
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I'm a good rider and an experienced re-enactor. What's in this for me? |
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What is there for my family to do while I'm going to the Cavalry School? |
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What do I need to bring with me for my training at the U.S. Cavalry School? |
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Can I bring my own period uniform, firearms, and horse tack? |
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Will I be qualified as a re-enactor after my program of instruction at the U.S. Cavalry School? |
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Do I have to spend the nights in the barracks or field encampment, or can I go into town? |
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Do I have to be an experienced rider to participate in a program at the U.S. Cavalry School? No. No riding experience is required. We will teach you the basics and guide your activities within the bounds
of your riding ability. You will leave this course with a better understanding of horsemanship and an improvement therein. Non-riding alternatives are also available if you choose.
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I'm a good rider and an experienced re-enactor. What's in this for me? A lot! Our professional equestrian trainers and cavalry drill-master can offer you a package of advanced instruction
that will enhance your skills. You will benefit still further from our outstanding academic program, improving your
technical knowledge of equipment and firearms, your understanding of strategy and tactics, and your appreciation of the
historical setting of the times.
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What is there for my family to do while I'm going to the Cavalry School? A lot! The Methow Valley (and Crow Agency/SW Montana) is a mecca for vacationers and tourists. The two towns of Twisp and Winthrop, WA offer a
variety of shops, antique stores, and galleries attractively situated in a western setting. There is hiking, camping,
bicycling, swimming, and boating available in the area, and all the amenities of Sun Mountain Lodge. There are also a
number of programs offered by the U.S. Cavalry School that are specifically oriented to family members not participating in
cavalry training. These include orientations, crafts and games to stories and historical presentations, as well as visits
to some of the many historical sites in the area. Family members, too, can experience life on a frontier cavalry post.
We will develop a specific program for you that best suits your family's desires.
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Can women attend the U.S. Cavalry School? Yes. We can make accommodations to have you "pass as a soldier" as supported by the many historical examples from
the 19th Century, or we can outfit you in period clothing as an unfettered woman of the West (or as a refined lady
of the West), and place you right into the regular curriculum.
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Can children participate? Yes. Young adults over the age of 16 can enroll as regular students with parental permission. Children younger than 16 need to be attended by non-participating adult at our camp at Custer's Last Ride Adventure. Younger children can be easily accommodated in one of our specially designed Family Activity Packages, if available. Call for questions.
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What do I need to bring with me for my training at the U.S. Cavalry School? The only thing you need to bring is a sleeping bag, or bed roll, and your personal toiletries, including soap and
towel. You should also bring sun protection.
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Can I bring my own horse? Yes. You are encouraged to do so. We have paddock space and hay available for you at no charge.
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Do I need to bring my own horse? No. We have school horses available for your training. There is an additional rental fee for their use.
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Can I bring my own period uniform, firearms, and horse tack? Yes. You are encouraged to do so, so long as it is reasonably authentic for some historic period of horse cavalry
employment.
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Do I have to own a uniform and firearms? No. If you have them, by all means bring them. But if you don't, we have a school issue waiting for you for a
reasonable rental fee. We also have a trading post sutler on site with many of these items available for purchase.
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I am an American Indian. Is there anything special for me? You can participate as a uniformed cavalryman or as an Indian Scout. We also have volunteer opportunities on our
staff and faculty. An important part of our mission is not only to preserve the culture of the horse cavalry, but also
further an understanding of the Native American cultures with which the cavalry interacted. You will have a great
experience, and your involvement will add special meaning for other participants.
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Will I be qualified as a re-enactor after my program of instruction at the U.S. Cavalry School? We issue a Re-enactor Certification to the graduates of our weeklong cavalry encampment. Others may request
individual evaluations and can be certified based on demonstrated skill and knowledge.
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Do I have to spend the nights in the barracks or field encampment, or can I go into town? You are free to spend your evenings away from the school. You may go into town and return to sleep in the barracks,
or you may wish to stay in one of the many fine hotels, resorts, lodges, or bed & breakfasts. You are also free to
camp in your own tent, trailer, or motor home either at the Cavalry School or in one of the many surrounding private or public
campgrounds.
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What is the weather like in the Little Bighorn Valley? Wonderful! The high temperatures in the summer normally range from the Mid 80s to low 90s in June. Most days are
dry and clear. The temperature at night is comfortable, and routinely dips into the upper 50s, but can be cooler on occasion. With most days filled with beautiful weather, the views of the valley and the surrounding Wolf Mountains and Little Bighorn National Park terrain are consistently spectacular.
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