Quarter Ponies Re-enacting History Shouldn’t have any problem becoming a Cavalry mount by Ann Collins Most Quarter Pony enthusiasts already know how versatile their ponies are, but history buffs are also seeing for themselves. Living in Selmer, Tennessee, I caught the Civil War re-enacting bug back in 2007 when I went to the 145th Anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh. I started re-enacting with new friends in an artillery battery from Kentucky, but yearned to be in a mounted Cavalry Company so I could ride my Quarter Pony. After searching and talking with various companies of re-enactors, I joined the 3rd TN Cavalry Company C in the fall of 2008. Even though I only had some of the correct period tack and equipment I needed, I was graciously accepted, as the 3rd TN is a family-oriented unit and welcomes new recruits, mounted or dismounted, man or woman. Owning and raising Quarter Ponies since 1993, I knew that my current Quarter Pony mare, Sleight Leah Gypsy, shouldn’t have any problem becoming a Cavalry mount. Gypsy was the IQPA Reserve National Champion in Halter in 2005 and has also earned other point awards in the local saddle club. Six-year-old Gypsy, being fairly calm and laid back, was in for a new endeavor. After showing horses for the last 18 years, I decided to combine my love of horses and Civil War history interests. Gypsy acclimated to the gunfire and drilling at home very quickly. While trail riding, I worked with carrying a flag and getting her used to gunfire before our first re-enactment. Our first real trial on the field was at the battles of Davis Mills, MS in October 2008. (Van Dorn’s Raid on 12/21/1862 and Forrest’s Pursuit on 6/12/1864) Not yet having a period correct saddle, I used an English saddle for that event. Having nothing substantial to “hold on to” and with all the infantry fire, cannon fire and overall excitement, I decided not to charge the field with the unit. Gypsy and I watched from the sidelines. I think I was more nervous than she was. Since then I have acquired a different saddle and Gypsy and I participated in a small benefit skirmish in Selmer to help prepare her for bigger battles. Not long afterwards, we served in General Way’s mounted escort in the 145th Anniversary of the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads near Baldwyn, MS in June 2009, a National Event. After watching from the sidelines, my boyfriend decided it was time to join in the fun. Searching the classified ads through the Quarter Pony website, I came across a Quarter Pony prospect which also just happened to be the same color as Gypsy. We took “Buddy” out on the 3rd TN Cavalry weekend trail ride two days after we brought him home and he “fell in” very well with the larger horses. On November 7, 2009 the Selmer, TN Parks & Recreation Department held a Veteran’s Day Celebration at the McNairy County Courthouse. Gypsy and I and Buddy and Matt represented the Civil War Veterans at the ceremonies. Afterwards, we participated in the parade through Selmer. Both ponies took all the excitement in stride and now seem to be enjoying their new roles in re-enacting history. In modern Civil War re-enacting, Quarter Ponies can play a part in mounted cavalry, and can also be used to pull cannons on the battle field. In re-enacting, Quarter Ponies are also used in wagon teams, supply wagons and ambulance wagons to remove the mock wounded from the battle zone. Period correct wagon teams are a great addition to any Cavalry unit and help the events to be more historically accurate. They always look good in parades, too! For more information about joining the 3rd TN Cavalry, mounted or dismounted, email Commander@3rdtncavalry.com or captbross@yahoo.com. I have been a certified Quarter Pony Inspector since 1994. If you live in west TN or north MS and have a pony you think might qualify to be registered with the IQPA and would like for me to inspect, contact me at collinsa1@hotmail.com. To find out more about the International Quarter Pony Association visit www.iqpa.com, call (931) 623-3173, or write to IQPA at P. O. Box 230, Lyles, TN 37098. For information on the Quarter Pony Association, see www.quarterponyassociation.com, call (814) 671-2747, or write QPA at P. O. Box 297, Leon, KS. These associations work together to promote the Quarter Pony breed. Registration fees are $25.00 and ponies with unknown parentage are still being accepted for registration as long as they meet height and conformation requirements and show no gaited characteristics. There are no restrictions on age or color of ponies; solids, Paints and Appaloosas are accepted. If you live in the Mid-South area and are interested in buying a Quarter Pony, you can visit Happy Trails Quarter Pony Farm in Selmer, TN. For more information call Ray Prather at (731) 610-5534. He raises registered Quarter Ponies, several with well known bloodlines. His herd includes solids, Paints, and Appaloosas. Some are already trail broke and some are not yet broke to ride, but most have been born and raised on his farm.