Fort Huachuca U. S. Army Garrison hosted the B Troop, 4th Cavalry (Memorial) Riding School Graduation Ceremony Aug. 28 on Brown Parade Field to honor the newest graduates.
During the event, each new trooper was awarded a set of brass riding spurs of the old Army cavalry and formally took his or her place in the organization.
Riding school graduates include: Capt. Chris Uthlaut, operations officer, Training Development and Support Directorate, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence (USAICoE); Capt. Ariel Alcaide, Military Intelligence Captains' Career Course instructor, 304th MI Battalion, 111th MI Brigade; Sgt. 1st Class Jon Wood, chief instructor, Non-commissioned Officer Academy, USAICoE; and Leisa Westbrook, local educator, marathon runner and active community volunteer.
In honor of B Troop's history, the new troopers conducted their first open field charge led by B Troop 1st Sgt. Pete Criscuolo.
"In my 14 years [with B Troop], I never get tired of this," said Christopher Zimmerman, B Troop coordinator, laughingly, during his remarks.
Guest speaker Col. Thomas A. Boone, Fort Huachuca garrison commander, thanked the audience for their attendance for coming out to honor the troopers and all volunteers. He explained that B Troop is the most famous cavalry unit in the west and has an important role in the rich history of Fort Huachuca. He described how it plays a colorful part -- maybe the best part -- of every ceremony the installation conducts. He congratulated the new troopers and said they had his admiration because they volunteer a lot of their free time to maintain and celebrate the heritage of Army's cavalry in the west.
"Now it would be unnatural to hold the ceremony here without the signature charge." Boone said. "When we see the mounted riders of the unit streak past us to the sound of the thundering hooves and bugle on Brown Parade Field it is almost as if the spirits of the old troopers still ride among us. Troopers, you represent the greatness of this post and our Army in all that you do. It takes a special commitment to dedicate yourself to B Troop."
Each graduate completed four months of intensive B Troop Cavalry School training dedicated to bareback riding, horse care and maintenance, mounted pistol carry and fire, ceremonial riding, the cavalry history and organization, and successfully passed a written and riding test.
The four-month training process provided an opportunity for horse and rider to bond, an important process that allows them to work together as a unit during cavalry charges, parades and ceremonies.
"We restructured this year's riding school a little differently," said Christopher Zimmerman, B Troop coordinator and trainer during an interview a few days prior to graduation. "We emphasized combat horsemanship skills so the riders could bond better with their horses," he added, explaining that more of this year's training focused on use of weapons while mounted, and that there was more emphasis on horse movement such as stepping sideways and backwards.
B Troop relies solely on volunteers to continue its legacy. It is made up of Active Duty, Reserve and retired military, Department of Defense Civilians and military Family members, 18 and older who are willing to make a commitment of 10 to 20 hours a week. No prior experience with horses is needed.
A woman may opt to join the organization as a trooper or may join the Ladies Auxiliary which supports B Troop by wearing authentic period clothing, riding sidesaddle in parades, and often helping care for the horses.
Boone said, "[B Troop] still desperately needs volunteers with the daring, dash and discipline to step forward and commit to being the standard-bearers of a rich, Army tradition. If you have what it takes to be a trooper -- or know someone who does -- see [the B Troop coordinator]. … Trust me, he'll be more than happy to sign you up for the next riding school."
The next B Troop Cavalry Riding School will begin in February 2016. For more information or to request an application, go to http://www.huachuca.army.mil/pages/btroop.
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