CIVIL WAR MOUNTED CAVALRY
  STANDARDS OF SAFETY AND ETIQUETTE

These standards have been adopted by:

1st Arkansas Cav US & CS (Mickey White, CO)

3rd Texas Cav (Denny Hair, CO)

6th US & 6th Texas Cav (Sam Vinson, CO)

12th Texas Cav (Kevin Keim, CO)

Terrell's 34th Texas Cav (John Danylchuk, CO)

GENERAL

1. It is the responsibility of the Unit Commanders to insure compliance with
any and all regulations. It is further their responsibility to determine
whether a trooper and their animals are properly trained  for the event.

2. All participants are required to participate in a weapons safety inspection
prior to each battle.

3. No participant shall be allowed on the field if intoxicated or under the
influence of a controlled substance

4. Every mounted reenactor should understand that mounted reenacting is
potentially dangerous and good judgment should be used at all times. They
should also remember that they are responsible for the actions of their
animals.

HORSE & EQUIPMENT

1.  Each horse MUST have proof of a current Negative Coggins test. (A Coggins
test in Texas is valid for 12  months some states are 6 months when crossing
state lines. Also, a  Health certificate may be required in some areas.)
The rule is KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.

2.  Horses are not to be taken into another's camp without permission unless
unavoidable.

3.  Every individual should perform an inspection of their saddle, girth,
headstall and reins before you fall in line.

4.  Surcingles are highly recommended but should be used ONLY in conjunction
with a breast collar.

5.  Horses shall not be run through the spectator areas

6.  If stallions are used they MAY NOT BE picketed on someone else's picket
line unless done with commanders permission

7.  Each unit shall in most cases maintain their own picket line. No one shall
place a horse on another's picket line  without permission.
 

BATTLE GUIDELINES

1. A minimum of 15 ft. is required to pass between any casualties on the
ground.

2. Only experienced riders on experienced horses will carry sabers.

3. Powder shall not be carried on the field in flasks or any other container
except in pre-rolled cartridges or extra cylinders. Cartridges should be
carried in a cartridge box ALWAYS separated from your caps.

4. Pistols should be carried only in your holster or saddle bags and always
with the hammer in between the nipples

5.  Caps should be kept in a cap box and it is preferred that you keep pistol
and carbine caps separated.

6.  No wadding of any kind is allowed. Pistols should be loaded with black
powder and packed with Cream of  Wheat

7.  It is recommended that all saber tips be dulled and gauntlets be used.
 
8.  Match your opponents weapon -  fight  sabers to sabers  and pistols to
pistols
 
9.   Always fire your weapon at an angle away from a person and their horse.
NEVER fire directly toward another reenactor or the spectators. Weapons should
always be elevated when firing.
 
10.  Riding through Mounted Cavalry units, whether in formation or as
skirmishers , will only be done if prearranged

11.  Know your limitations and those of your horse - Don't put yourself or
your horse in a situation that you are not comfortable with.

                         TWELVE  COMMANDMENTS OF BATTLE

    1.   DO NOT charge a horse-holder or an artillery piece being limbered or
            unlimbered
    2.   DO NOT force your way through a battle line.
    3.   DO NOT grab a person or horse unless it has been prearranged.
    4.   DO NOT attempt to forcibly take a flag or guidon.
    6.   DO NOT continue to press a saber fight if your opponent indicates he
            wishes to disengage
    8.   DO NOT fire your weapon directly at anyone or their horse (Weapons should
            always be elevated)
    9.   DO NOT fire within 25 ft. of anyone in front of you with pistols or 50
            ft. with carbines
    10. DO NOT APPROACH within 50 ft.  of a cannon muzzle or FIRE within 50 ft.
            of a  cannon or limber.
    11. DO NOT ride between an Artillery piece and limber.
    12. DO unto your fellow reenactors as you want them to do unto you

VIOLATIONS

1. If there is a violation of these rules, those involved ( the person or
persons making the claim of violation and their CO and the violator or
violators  and their CO) will meet immediately after the battle to discuss and
resolve the problem.