I know this was discussed several years ago but I think it is worth taking a second look.
The reason, as I understand it, the Cav doesn't come in with the rest of the Corps is the fear of one or more of the horses becoming spooked by the Band. This makes sense, since no one wants to see a horse throw a rider.
However, if the Cav was the last unit to come in with the Corps, the Band could still mute the music just as it does now. I also know horses/mules can be trained to accept noise and not have a control problem in that type of environment. Mounted law enforcement units work in much tougher environments than anything we have at Kyle Field. The visiting crowd and band could be asked not to do anything so as not to spook the horses. Texas Tech seems to have mastered any crowd problem with their Mask Rider. They have no problems.
The last two elements of the Cav would be the cannon and the supply wagon, which could be left in the "out ramp" for the game. The horses could be assembled at the loading area outside the stadium in a Picket Line with their riders and then loaded after the game starts and the crowd is the stadium. Very impressive to see a straight line of riders with horses. The Cav, for safety reasons, would post guards (Pickets), to keep fans from getting too close to the horses.
People and especially children like to see horses. This would also give the Cav more face time which I am sure they would appreciate. The Cav is a big positive to our Corps.
I am sure we have some excellent horsemen in the CS area who could help establish the training program--we might have some already on staff.
I think it is worth a look. What do you think?
Out
The reason, as I understand it, the Cav doesn't come in with the rest of the Corps is the fear of one or more of the horses becoming spooked by the Band. This makes sense, since no one wants to see a horse throw a rider.
However, if the Cav was the last unit to come in with the Corps, the Band could still mute the music just as it does now. I also know horses/mules can be trained to accept noise and not have a control problem in that type of environment. Mounted law enforcement units work in much tougher environments than anything we have at Kyle Field. The visiting crowd and band could be asked not to do anything so as not to spook the horses. Texas Tech seems to have mastered any crowd problem with their Mask Rider. They have no problems.
The last two elements of the Cav would be the cannon and the supply wagon, which could be left in the "out ramp" for the game. The horses could be assembled at the loading area outside the stadium in a Picket Line with their riders and then loaded after the game starts and the crowd is the stadium. Very impressive to see a straight line of riders with horses. The Cav, for safety reasons, would post guards (Pickets), to keep fans from getting too close to the horses.
People and especially children like to see horses. This would also give the Cav more face time which I am sure they would appreciate. The Cav is a big positive to our Corps.
I am sure we have some excellent horsemen in the CS area who could help establish the training program--we might have some already on staff.
I think it is worth a look. What do you think?
Out
The Main Thing is to keep The Main Thing The Main Thing