Fort Riley, Kansas. (August 18, 2024): The famed 1^st Infantry Division, known affectionately as the Big Red One, has created a modern link to the frontier days of the U.S. Cavalry. In this photo by Specialist Koltyn Omarah, Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Division Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard (CGMCG) ride horses at a rodeo held in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Established in 1992, the CGMCG is outfitted with the uniforms, accessories, and armaments of the Civil War period. The unit performs various drills using the 1861 Cavalry Light Saber, a .45-caliber revolver, and the 1873 Remington .45-caliber lever action repeater rifle. The troopers receive instruction from the actual manuals used by Civil War cavalrymen to recreate the colorful spectacle of the American horse soldier.

The CGMCG performs mounted drill and weapons demonstrations and parades for community events and rodeos, as well as military ceremonies on Fort Riley. The mounted demonstration is an exhibition of the skill and precision required of a cavalry soldier patrolling the frontier.

Experience with horses is not a requirement to become a member of the CGMCG and it is open to both officers and enlisted. The formal tryout lasts eight weeks. The first week introduces the candidates to their horses and they watch an example of a typical rodeo by the experienced Troopers. The candidates must master the basics of horse anatomy and learn stable duties while acquainting themselves with the period’s weaponry and equipment. After completing the eight-week training, candidates will receive their iconic red hat and belt buckle in a ceremony making them part of the historic CGMCG.