Spc. Joshua Ryan Casbarro inspects an 1860 light cavalry sabre before distributing them to troops for demonstration. Troops use the sabre during shows to demonstrate their use in a cavalry attack. (US Army photos by Spc. Alex Skripnichuk, 7th Mobile ...

Spc. Jeremia Windam, a Pearce, Ariz., native cleans the ceremonial cannon during the Horse Cavalry Detachment's practice. The cannon is used during demonstration as the signal for the start of the show. (US Army photos by Spc. Alex Skripnichuk, 7th M...

A Horse Cavalry Detachment troop is repairing a horse shoe in the HCD's farrier shop on May 14. Troops go through schooling to learn the required skills for making and repairing horse shoes. (US Army photos by Spc. Alex Skripnichuk, 7th Mobile Public...

Horse Cavalry Detachment troops ride their horses during a practice demonstration May 15 on their practice grounds in Fort Hood next to the Visitor's Welcome Center. In an actual demonstration they would also wear 19th century uniforms to complete th...

FORT HOOD, Texas - In the military, traditions run deep. Every soldier is expected to know the history of their unit and the Army as a whole. On Fort Hood, history comes alive with the 1st Cavalry Division's Horse Cavalry Detachment. A unit whose purpose is to preserve what the 1st Cavalry Division used to be, a horse cavalry unit.

Before the age of trucks and tanks, troops either walked or rode horses.

In the HCD, troops learn how to ride and take care of their horses, weapons and themselves.

The HCD became an official unit of the 1CD in May 1971. World War II veteran Robert "Bob" Cooper helped the HCD become a legitimate unit. He worked as a liaison between the HCD and 1st CD. He also donated the first 11 horses.

The main job of the HCD is to participate in ceremonies and events that support the Army's efforts in public relation and recruitment.

In the last 43 years, the HCD has performed at multiple events in many different states. It even performed at two presidential inaugurations, Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush Jr.

Any Soldier that is attached to a Cavalry unit can become a part of the HCD. But to get in, they have to prove themselves worthy.

"There is no finer set of troopers in 1st CD that represent the heritage, history and tradition of the cavalry," said Staff Sgt. Michael J. Hatfield, a Jonesboro, Georgia. native who now serves as the first sergeant of the HCD. "Troopers here go through a rigorous screening process."

The first thing a candidate has to accomplish when trying out for the HCD is to mount a bareback horse without assistance or a running start.

"More challenging than people think it is," said Spc. Joshua Ryan Casbarro, a Columbus, Ohio, native serving as the primary armorer in the HCD. "You also have to hold a weapon at the position of present [arms] for five minutes."

The 1873 Springfield is a rifle that weighs more than 10 pounds, holding it in the position of present for five minutes is definitely a challenge many are not up to.

After the duty specific tests are conducted, the candidates take a physical fitness test. Their ability to do pushups, sit-ups, and running is tested against a clock.

"Because we are constantly in the public eye, we only want the best caliber troopers," said Hatfield. "We are the face of the 1st CD."

Once admitted into the HCD, a trooper will learn everything necessary to become a horseback rider from the 1800's, including the mastery of the 1873 Colt Revolver and the 1860 light cavalry saber.

HCD troopers produce every item that is put on a horse in two shops located next to the horse stables. From the saddles that riders sit on to the bridles used to control the horse and the farrier shop produces all the horse shoes for the horses.

Once the horses are ready and the equipment is prepped, the HCD goes on the Road to represent the 1st CD, Fort Hood and the U.S. Army in various events and parades throughout the country.

They demonstrate their abilities every Thursday with a show that is open to military and civilian personnel.

Just like the 1800's, every Thursday the troops of HCD come outside and ride their horses with weapons held high as onlookers watch from the sidelines the spectacular stunts of horses jumping, guns shooting and the intricate formation movements completed with flawless execution. The HCD continues to show the troops and public of America the traditions and history of their country's military.