Dee Rung, of Ghost Ryders stands with her horse, Big Red, a 20- year-old thoroughbred, just prior to the Civil War Cavalry clinic held on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Hidden Farm, located at 625 McFall Rd. in Apalachin, N.Y. (Photos by JoAnn R. Walter)
A Civil War mounted cavalry clinic was held on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Hidden Farm, located at 625 McFall Rd. in Apalachin, N.Y.
Hosted by Hidden Farm, the clinic was presented by Kevin and Denise (Dee) Rung, mounted historians of Ghost Ryders from Endicott, N.Y. who specialize in the Civil war and the late 1800’s era of American western history.
Topics at the Oct. 19 clinic included Civil War cavalry history focused on training aspects; mount desensitizing, shooting and saber demonstrations, while they also communicated the importance of owners building a solid trust and relationship with their horses.
Kevin Rung, of Ghost Ryders is shown on his horse, Rebel, at the Civil War Cavalry clinic held on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Hidden Farm, located at 625 McFall Rd. in Apalachin, N.Y.
The real stars of the clinic were Big Red and Rebel Yell, the Rung’s two rescue horses. Dee’s horse, Big Red, a 20-year-old thoroughbred, was a racehorse in his younger days, which included races at Saratoga. After a track accident left him with a broken back, he received rehabilitation and joined the Rung’s as a cavalry mount, and has since earned various show ribbons. The Rung’s shared that Big Red’s bloodlines can be traced back to the famous horse, Man O’ War, recognized as one of the greatest thoroughbred racehorses in history.
Rebel Yell, Kevin Rung’s horse, a grade gelding, is closer to 25 years old and was a “buggy” horse for many years. Rebel joined the Rung’s in April 2014, and after a diet change, exercise and attention, he is no longer withdrawn and underweight.
“Colonel” Rung speaks to a participant who took a turn riding Rebel at the Ghost Ryders Civil War Cavalry clinic held on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Hidden Farm, located at 625 McFall Rd. in Apalachin, N.Y. Also pictured to the left is “1st Sergeant,” Dee Rung, riding Big Red.
Dressed in Civil War period attire and using a World War I saddle reproduction, “Colonel” Rung, accompanied by his 1st Sergeant Dee, shared some interesting history. Rung commented, “The Confederate cavalry were actually the better horsemen of the day.”
Rung went on to explain that the Confederates had an advantage because they consistently rode and bred horses, whereas the Union soldiers utilized work horses that weren’t ridden as much, and hence, were unprepared for performance duties during the war.
After the mounted historians presented each topic, participants then had the opportunity to get involved with hands-on action, while spectators watched and learned.
Susan Deakin, owner of Hidden Farm, located at 625 McFall Rd. in Apalachin, N.Y. participated in the Ghost Ryders Civil War Cavalry clinic held on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Susan Deakin, owner of Hidden Farm, moved to Apalachin from Connecticut 11 years ago and has been around horses since she was a young adult. Hidden Farm promotes natural horsemanship and is a full service boarding and lesson facility, with a farrier and horse trainer available who has more than 30 years of specialized experience.
Riding lessons at Hidden Farm include group or private classes, for beginners and intermediate levels. Deakin shared, “We’re here to educate people, including being kind to horses, and to love and respect the horses for who they are.”
Kevin and Denise Rung presented a Civil War Cavalry clinic on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Hidden Farm; located at 625 McFall Rd. in Apalachin, N.Y. In this photo they showed participants and spectators a saber demonstration.
Ghost Ryders not only provide clinics but also participants in area events and parades, but offer tours throughout upstate New York and Northeast Pa. with their “Shadows of the Old West” and “Civil War Living History” programs, which included a stop in July 2014 at the Tioga County Fair in Owego, N.Y.
For more information about Hidden Farm, call (607) 625-5145, or browse their website at hiddenfarmstable.com.
For more information about Ghost Ryders, visit their Facebook page or call (607) 752-2230.
Hidden Farm, located at 625 McFall Rd. in Apalachin, N.Y. is a full service boarding and lesson facility, with a farrier/horse trainer available who has more than 30 years of experience.
