FORT IRWIN, Calif. -- The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment held its annual Children's Spur Ride, April 18.
The Spur Ride is an event that gives children of Cavalry Troopers a chance to "earn their spurs" by negotiating obstacles and kid-friendly versions of what their parents do to earn theirs.
Fort Irwin is a community far removed from larger population centers. It is a unique installation that prepares Army units for deployments. 11th ACR Troopers typically spend 18 days a month, in the field, away from their Families.
"It's (Spur Ride) important because it shows that we are Family oriented and we appreciate the sacrifices Family Members make, especially with the back-to-back training rotations," said Sgt. 1st Class Anaki Spence, an organizer of the event, assigned to the Regimental Support Squadron, 11th ACR. "It's a chance to bring Family Members and the Soldiers together to have fun, let their hair down and enjoy the history of the Regiment."
The event included first aid, target practice with water guns, dodging water balloons from behind sand bags, navigating a mud pit, and even taking a ride in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
The Spur Ride is a Cavalry Tradition dating back to its ancestry when Troopers were mounted on horseback. A Soldier new to the unit was known as a shaved tail; named for having been given a horse that's had its tail shaved. This told riders around him that they were not yet proficient at riding. By the time the horse's tail grew out again, the rider would have gained enough experience to wear spurs while handling the animal.
Today, the traditions continue. For Troopers to earn their spurs, they must demonstrate knowledge of Cavalry history as well as demonstrate a high level of physical fitness and tactical proficiency. The 11th ACR provide Family Members the chance to experience similar events with the Children's and Spouse's Spur Rides.
"My favorite part was riding in the tank," said Adam Conard, a participant in the spur ride. "I enjoyed the water balloons and the mud pit too, but since it was my first time in an Army tank, I liked that most."
"I had fun and so did all the kids," said Kelly Conard, Adam's mother, an Army Spouse at Fort Irwin. She explained that with Fort Irwin being so small, it's good for the unit to give kids a chance to interact with one another outside of school and to get a small taste of what Troopers do. "I did the Spouse's Spur Ride last year and I like how these events bring everyone together."
Social Sharing