The Horse at Gettysburg: Prepared for the Day of Battle

Horses are one of the many unsung heroes of the American Civil War. These majestic animals were impressed into service, trained, prepared for battle, and turned into expendable implements of war.There is more to this story, however. When an army’s means and survival is predicated upon an animal whose instincts are to flee rather than fight, a bond of mutual trust and respect between handler and horse must be forged. Ultimately, the Battle of Gettysburg resulted in thousands of horses killed and wounded. Their story deserves telling, from a time not so far removed.Table of ContentsAcknowledgementsAbbreviationsForewordPrefaceIntroductionChapter 1Definition of TermsDiagram of AnatomyBreedsThe Morgan HorseThe ThoroughbredThe Quarter HorseThe SaddlebredThe StandardbredThe Belgian (Brabant)The MuleHorse ColorationThe BayThe SorrelThe RoanThe Black HorseThe PalominoThe BuckskinThe GrayThe Pinto and the Paint HorseChapter 2Acquisition, Care, and MaintenancePersonal MountsCavalry Requirements and ProceduresArtillery Horse RequirementsFarriers and Veterinary CareCare of HorsesChapter 3Preparing for the Day of BattleModern Training MethodsTraining during the Civil War Era and Use: Cavalry, Artillery, Medical, and SupplyChapter 4Prelude: Lee Invades the NorthChapter 5July 1, 1863: The First Day of Battle“Opening the Ball”The Death of ReynoldsBarlow’s KnollA Chance Meeting on the HillChapter 6July 2, 1863: The Bloodiest DayLee and LongstreetMeade and SicklesUp the Emmitsburg RoadLittle Round TopThe Devil’s DenThe Peach Orchard, The Trostle Farm, and the Emmitsburg RoadBenner’s Hill, East Cemetery Hill, and Culp’s HillChapter 7July 3, 1863: The Die is CastLongstreet’s AssaultEast Cavalry Field, South Cavalry Field, and Farnsworth’s ChargeChapter 8Retreat and AftermathChapter 9RemembranceThe Gettysburg AddressEpilogueAppendix: Order of BattleBibliographyIndexAbout the Author Read more