The Epic Stories of Life Among the Horse-Drawn Guns! Unmask the Untold Tales of Valor, Danger, and Redemption!

: A World Shaped by Horse-Drawn Guns

Step into the captivating realm of the Wild West, where legends were born and battles were waged with the thunderous roar of horse-drawn guns echoing in the vast landscapes. In this article, we delve deep into the enthralling experiences and heartfelt stories from individuals who lived, fought, and triumphed in this perilous era.

The Forgotten Heroes: Encounters with the Unwritten Legends

Meet the unsung heroes of those turbulent times, whose names were never etched into history books but forged forever in the hearts and minds of those who witnessed their courage. From legendary lawmen to fiercely cunning outlaws, these brave souls sculpted the captivating tapestry of the Wild West.

Horse Artillery!: tales from a lifetime among the horse-drawn guns

by John Ruf (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23317 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	206 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Legendary Duel: Wyatt Earp vs. Doc Holliday

Unravel the epic tale of the infamous duel between Wyatt Earp, the fearless lawman, and Doc Holliday, the gambler and gunfighter, in the world-renowned showdown at the O.K. Corral. Get ready to ride alongside these fearless legends and experience the essence of true grit and honor.

Justice on Horseback: The Lone Rangers of the Wild West

Discover the untold stories of the Lone Rangers who upheld justice in the untamed territories. From chasing down outlaws to protecting the innocent, these fearless horsemen embodied the spirit of justice on horseback, defying all odds and capturing the imagination of generations to come.

A Twist of Fate: Redemption and Betrayal Among the Outlaws

Step into the complex world of outlaws, where redemption and betrayal intertwined beneath the starlit skies. Explore the stories of notorious bandits who defied the law, yet found compassion and ultimately sought redemption in the face of their own mortality.

The Ultimate Sacrifice: Ponies, Guns, and the Bond that Transcended

Witness the unique bond that developed between horses and humans amidst the endless battles. Discover how these majestic creatures, who served as loyal companions and steadfast partners on the battlefield, showcased unwavering devotion and brought solace and strength to the riders.

: Forever Engraved in the Canyons of History

As the sun sets on these remarkable tales, we are left with a profound appreciation for the courageous souls who lived, breathed, and shaped the Wild West era. With their horse-drawn guns echoing through the decades, their stories will forever be engraved in the canyons of history, inspiring awe and captivating the hearts of all who hear them.

Horse Artillery!: tales from a lifetime among the horse-drawn guns

by John Ruf (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23317 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	206 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The term “military horse” usually conjures up images of the cavalry, but this is only part of the story; artillery was the jewel of the mounted services, which also included dragoons and mounted rifles during the horse-drawn era.
This military equestrian era was long-lived; the last U.S. artillery to give up their mounts only did so in 1943.
My interest in preserving the skills of the mounted services led me to postillion driving of horse teams. Over three decades, I rode for two mounted artillery units, approximately twelve times a year, primarily in demonstrations for the National Park Service, but also in military caisson funerals and tacticals.
Artillery horses are technically not ridden, but driven postillion, with three drivers controlling six horses. A driver rides on one horse while driving another horse alongside. The three teams are called lead, swing and wheel.
The wheelers are the only brakes for the team; they take the strain of the halt through the leather brake strap upon their haunches. The wheel driver rides with the limber pole between the horses of their team. The pole will snap if the wheeler does not handle the team properly in the turns. Furthermore, the limber pole jars up and down across rough terrain, crashing against the driver’s leg. A steel-reinforced leather leg guard protects the wheel driver from the violent effects of the limber pole.
All the drivers must work the horses as a unit; if the wheel driver stops too suddenly the lead driver may be snapped out of his saddle. Conversely, if intervals are not properly maintained, the teams will cross traces and panic or trip, causing a wreck. Starts must be correctly timed so all the horses draw together at the same moment. Otherwise the start will be jerky, and the horses will baulk at taking excessive strain.
In short, driving a six-up artillery team at high speed requires much more equestrian ability than riding. While driving is a very demanding art, it is thankfully not an entirely lost art, even now in the twenty-first century.