These rules apply to mounted cavalry, couriers and all other riders.  They were compiled from various rules and regulations already accepted and in effect in the reenacting community.  Reference sources and contributors include George Moor, Roger Ragland and Robert Niepert as well as the Florida State Park Service, the Alabama Division the Department of the Gulf, the Illinois Cavalry, the eastern Brigade of Horse Soldiers and the Union Department of the Battle of Olustee.

We have a responsibility to the spectators and to the organizations who have put together the event to provide a safe, enjoyable and instructive lesson in the history of our country.  For this reason and in addition to the admonitions regarding safety, we must stress the need to present as authentic an image as we are capable of.  This includes attention to equipment, actions and personal appearances.  All reenactors should keep in mind that others are judging them and the unit based on their conduct.
When you participate in a reenactment as a mounted rider, you agree to follow the rules and regulations set forth here.

All horses will either enjoy, accept or reject the perplexity of the battlefield.

Safety is of prime importance.

No mounted rider is to participate in any activity he can not perform in a manner safe to himself and others.  If the horseman feels that he or his horse cannot safely perform a task, he should withdraw from the formation and go to a safe location off the battlefield.

Safety of the rider, horse and others is the primary concern.

1.)  **A copy of a current coggins must be presented at all events.

2,)  **Unsafe riders or unruly and uncontrollable horses will be dismissed from the field.

3.)  **All new horses should be teamed up with veteran horsemen by using the "herd method" during drills and on the battlefield.  This is where the new horse is kept between two seasoned horsemen until the new horse accepts the battlefield's confusing environment.

4.)  **New horsemen should not draw weapons on the field until their commander is confident the horse and rider can perform in a safe manner.

5.)  **Stallions are not allowed on the field as cavalry horses and should not be brought to the event.

6.)  **Women are welcome as combatants, but they have to pass as a male at ten (10) feet.  This is not an arbitrary requirement:  we have to stress authenticity.  Making the appropriate effort is a courtesy to our fellow reenactors and to the spectators.

7.)  **Troopers will maintain an awareness of location of spectators.  No one will ride so close to the spectators as to endanger them due to the unexpected action of a horse.  Appropriate efforts must be made here as a courtesy to our fellow reenactors and to the spectators.

8.)  **Horses are to be kept out of those camps to which they are not assigned, sutler and public areas.

9.)  **Cavalry should maintain at least a fifteen (15) foot interval between infantry and artillery troops, being especially careful of those who are simulating casualties.  All activity in a "casualty victim" area will be restricted to a walk or trot.

10.)  **Prior to all battles, it is the responsibility and duty of the horseman, under the supervision of his commander, to perform the inspection of all horse equipment, firearms, sabers, carbines etc.  Look for problems concerning things like loose horse shoes, strength of leather, loose screws on firearms or sabers and projectiles in firearms.

11.)  **The provost and other officials have the right and authority to refuse to allow you to take the field if you fail their safety inspection.  Inspect your gear the weekend prior to the event for necessary repairs and corrections.

12.)  **Surcingles are recommended and are a requirement at some events.

13.)  **A fifty (50) foot safety zone is always in effect and must be maintained.  No firing of pistols or carbines at anyone at close range.  Always keep the muzzle pointed up until ready to fire.  Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot.  Any firing of weapons is to be done in a safe manner.  No firing directly at anyone.  No wonderwads or wax will be used.

14.)  **All saber fighting will be done above shoulder level and flat edge against flat edge.  Only attempt to engage another combatant with a saber when sitting upright in the saddle.  Do not lean backward and off balance. The point of the saber should always be pointed up when engaged in battle.  Make eye to eye contact with your opponent prior to attempting to engage him.  Be sure that your opponent is agreeable to your intentions.  Do not swing too hard.

15.)  **Do not chase an opponent.  Attack and break off.

16.)  **Do not engage, or break off immediately, if engaged with an opponent who experiences difficulty with his horse or experiences equipment failure.

17.)  **No unattended horses may remain on the field.  This includes, but not limited to, simulated hits or rapid dismounts (un-horsed).

18.)  **The chain of command will be followed on the field and all members are expected to follow orders of unit officers and their NCO at all times.

19.)  **Cavalry will advance as organized units.  Mounted soldiers will not be allowed on the field except as mounted officers, staff, or unit couriers or as part of an organized mounted unit.  EVERYONE will be responsible to a specific unit commander.

20.)  **Mounted riders assigned as couriers may engage in battle only when challenged by an opponent and they must not deviate from the shortest distance to the commander whom they are delivering their message.  Example:  Couriers, if challenged, will take a few shots at their opponent but will continue with the discharge of their duty.  They may not deviate from their route to intentionally engage the enemy. When not engaged in the delivery of a message they must remain close to the officer to whom they are assigned.  When delivering a message, they may not deviate from their route to intentionally engage the enemy.

21.)  **Mounted riders assigned to infantry or artillery must stay within 75 feet of their assigned company.  They will not leave that area to engage in any cavalry charges or assaults.  They are in that position to protect their assigned company.

22.)  **If a mounted rider wishes to participate in cavalry activities, they must ask permission of their commander and the company commander of the unit they wish to fall in with for that day.  If permission to fall in is granted, they will fall into the ranks of that cavalry company as a trooper and fall under the command of the cavalry company officer they are assigned to.  The overall cavalry commander will be made aware of this decision.

23.)  **If any mounted riders fall into a cavalry company on a temporary or permanent basis, they will agree to follow the orders of the cavalry company's commander.

24.)  **Any close contact fighting between cavalry and infantry or artillery must be coordinated with the opposing unit commanders and the overall cavalry commander.  These scenarios must be rehearsed prior to the battle.  The person initiating the scenario has the additional responsibility to see that all participants understand and are competent to perform that scenario safely.

25.)  **At no time will mounted riders be allowed to override infantry lines or artillery positions without a previously agreed upon and rehearsed scenario.

26.)  **If it is necessary to ride through infantry or artillery lines, inform that company, wait for an opening to be made and proceed with great caution no faster than a walk or trot speed.

27.)  **It is the responsibility of the company commander to show his men where the pyrotechnic areas are.  These areas are to be avoided at all times.

28.)  **Do not touch, grab, push or verbally assault anyone.  Do not physically assault anyone with your horse.  This includes bumping and slamming.  Do not touch anyone else's horse.

29.)  **Unit and company commanders will keep the overall cavalry commander informed of all horse and rider related problems that occur on the field.  Misconduct by riders must be reported immediately.  The unit commander is responsible for each of the men in his company.

30.)  **Any altercations (physical or verbal or any type of dispute between individuals) on or off the field will be handled in a gentlemanly manner.  Allow time for cooler heads to prevail.  If problems arise, the complaining person will bring at least one eyewitness and any evidence supporting his claim to a meeting immediately following the battle.  This meeting will consist of the complainant and his commander, the witness, the accused man and his commander, the event commander and the cavalry commander.  The meeting will be documented and a course of action will be decided upon.

31.)  **In the event that there are repeated safety, personal or horse related violations, the offending person will be dealt with in a quick and fair manner.

32.)  **Grounds for the expulsion of mounted riders will include but not be limited to:
     Actions that adversely effect safety
     Conduct unbecoming to a gentleman
     Willful disobedience to regulations
     Carelessness and negligence
     Fighting or uneasy relations with others during the event weekend.

33.)  **The decision to suspend or expel a mounted rider will be made by a majority vote of the offending person's commander, the overall event commander and the overall cavalry commander.

34.)  **These rules of conduct and safety are in addition to any regulations that the event host may already have in place.

Safety and peaceful co-existence between participants in all activities relating to our reenacting hobby is of primary concern whether on or off the field.  Injury to anyone, by you or your horse, can create serious liability for you and other members of your unit.  Unsafe conduct will not be allowed.

George Washington said to his men; "Let me entreat you gentlemen, on your part not to take any measures, which when viewed in the calm light of reason will lessen the dignity and sully the glory you have hither to maintained."