This is a fact that most don't know. Present in every Civil War camp and on every battlefield, horses suffered and died in numbers that rivaled even the Civil War's high rate of human devastation. An estimated 1,500,000 horses and mules were wounded and killed, or died of disease in the war, as compared with 970,000 military casualties.

Exactly. A soldier’s life was hard (a horse was also a soldier). There’s a reason Washington privately purchased as many army horses who were injured (particularly mares) as he could to save them from their hard life. He then had them brought to Mount Vernon where they lived out their lives in paradise. Suffering was an expected part of life, but Washington’s actions prove there can be heroism in spite if it.

Yes, it’s strange how far away I felt from her when I was actually doing it, and how close we looked on camera (when we were on the ground). This was simulating the movement we’re to do with a chambiere (or stick and string). But for that reason I am in no hurry to sharpen this sword 😅

Sure do! Here's a good intro by my friend Maxime Chouinard (fencing master extraordinaire) : hemamisfits.com/2021/04/25/living-off-the-sword-under-napoleon-a-history-of-the-fencing-masters-of-the-grand-army/ Also read this: hemamisfits.com/2015/08/02/treatise-on-the-counter-point-by-alexandre-valville-1817/ See George S. Patton: "Saber Exercise 1914 Training Manual in Swordsmanship." (written when he was just a Lt.) The majority of my sources are in French, which if you cannot read can be translated online (albeit roughly). I can recommend Reverso Translation. Probably the most complete sabre on horseback text is "Théorie sur l'escrime a cheval, pour se défendre aux aventage contre toute espèce d'armes blanches" "Theory on fencing on horseback, to defend oneself against all kinds of weapons" Another great is this work: "Dissertation sur l'Equitation et le Maniement des Armes à Cheval" or "Dissertation in Equitation and Handling of Arms at Horsemanship" and I have several more. If you're interested here are the links: www.google.com/books/edition/_/EUlRAAAAcAAJ?hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjN3YzepObwAhUQCc0KHSxqDtcQre8FMA56BAgIEAU docs.google.com/file/d/0ByGICcee2dhNNXBUSUlFOVVMLUU/edit?fbclid=IwAR2HoY3PhQjOZBvV8mC_Vxi3TCYHOrV5qI78xX835R59qjXsyBlhNazUS50&resourcekey=0-90fkSwmHw0CkorPM1PbN-Q

@@KateFergeson wow thank! Do you have a Facebook

Your welcome. Yes I do.

@@KateFergeson I found up u on Facebook it wouldn’t let me add you but I followed you. Have you ever seen modern history TV on KZfaq? He’s got some cool stuff I think you would like. His stuff is geared towards the medieval days, but he has videos about using swords and muskets on horseback

@@KateFergeson Hi. I am a walking tutorial since i trained cadets and commanded a cavalry unit on parades.

Yep, an 1860 army repro. I’m on the hunt for an original ;) I’ve used one and it is easier to wield. Indeed though, this one is good for practice. The extra weight helps build muscle memory (and if it gets damaged it’s no heartbreak).

@@KateFergeson Oh yeah, the antique ones do require a bit more care, for sure. The US 1840 and 1860 were both based in the French M1822, and they look quite similar, so if that distinction is important to you be sure to look into the differences before you go hunting for one.

Absolutely! Thanks for the tidbit. What I really want to get my hands on is a hussar saber. I may spend the extra buck to get one that comes from well made, solid materials so it won’t break when I utilize it (because my sabers are not ornaments, their is a high risk I might damage one). Cheers!

​@@KateFergeson Hussar sabers are cool. They can get expensive though. With that in mind, some more unsolicited tips (I've been burned and it still stings): With antiques, be aware that the more expensive, rare and popular the type of sword, the more fakery there is, and with swords there is unfortunately a lot of fakery. The only thing that can really help with that is experience (both looking at lots of antiques and lots of replicas that are out there) - or a very reliable vendor or a friend that can lend you theirs. Also if you want to wave it around, be sure to ask the vendor about any movement in the grip; lots of hilts get loose with age, because either they have leather washers that run into the grip for friction that disintegrate over time, or because they are secured by various glues that dry out and turn to dust. Also, if you get one from an auction house: The quality of their expertise varies a lot, so don't rely on them too much. And beware of auction fees (often >25%) and exorbitant packing and shipping costs.