Union Cavalry Trooper Mounted on Trotting Horse, No.2

Union army guidelines for cavalry horse selection mandated animals be at least 15 hands (60 inches [150 cm]) high, weighing on average around 950 pounds (430 kg), and aged between 4 and 10 years old, and be well-broken to bridle and saddle. Geldings were preferred for cavalry horses with the purchase of mares strictly prohibited outside absolute military emergency. Animals were preferred to be dark colors and were required to be free from defects such as shallow breathing, deformed hooves or bones. The three-inch letters “US” were hot branded on a new horses left shoulders and additional hoof brands identified each animal’s unit. Morgans were a favored mount by cavalry soldiers in the Civil War. They were sensible under fire and could march tirelessly all day. They maintained their condition on unpredictable rations and were usually loyal to their riders. The war depleted the country’s supply of quality horses, so the boards often accepted mustangs or stock bred from Morgan or thoroughbred stallions and mustang mares. Though the horses’ quality was often unequal, the military generally obtained good horses at reasonable prices.

1/30 Scale
Matte Finish
Single figure in box