Mounted Platoon

The Texas Cavaliers Mounted Platoon exists to foster the art and practice of equestrian ability within the ranks of the Texas Cavaliers. The Platoon serves as an honor guard to King Antonio during the Battle of Flowers parade in which many of the present 100 proud Platoon members participate. The Platoon is commanded by a Captain elected from the ranks of the Platoon members.

History

The Texas Cavaliers were originally formed to perpetuate the tradition of equestrian activity as a tradition of its then member’s forbearers. This was envisioned as an adjunct to staging pageants, parades, and other historic celebrations in order to preserve the art and practice of horsemanship among its members. Over time, the emphasis on the equestrian nature of the organization became less to the point that it no longer participated in the Battle of Flowers parade in a mounted fashion.

In an effort and desire to reinstate this tradition among the Cavaliers, 20 Cavalier members led an effort to reinstate the Mounted Platoon. Since the reconstitution of the Mounted Platoon in 1984, membership has grown to now more than 100 active members and in addition to riding in the Battle of Flowers parade, has other events in which the Platoon members partake.

Events

The four events occurring yearly as Platoon activities include participation in the Battle of Flowers Parade as the King’s honor guard, the Jess Y. Womack Memorial Trail Ride, the Joe W Taylor Memorial Spring Ride, and the Annual Mounted Platoon Banquet. The Platoon has been fortunate to be invited to ride at both Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis over the years in cooperation with the military leaders as our sponsor to foster the strong relationship between the Texas Cavaliers and Joint Base San Antonio and the Army North Caisson Platoon. The annual Platoon banquet is held in May to honor the Captain who is completing his year of leadership and to provide fellowship for the members, their spouses, and honored guests of the Platoon. These banquets are held in various venues within the community or in the private homes of the membership according to the wishes of the outgoing Captain.

Miscellaneous Awards

Past Captains of the Mounted Platoon

Camp Stewart Horses

For greater than three decades now, Camp Stewart has been the much appreciated and reliable source of mounts for the Platoon to use during the Battle of Flowers parade. This participation on the part of Camp Stewart is an act of beneficence that has made the logistics of putting the Mounted Platoon on horseback each and every parade much less complicated than it was years ago. A number of the Cavalier families have been involved with Camp Stewart through the years but the beneficence and assistance of Camp Stewart is not to be underestimated. Camp Stewart does have a 501C3 in existence which offers a mechanism for the Cavilers to demonstrate corporate gratitude to Camp Stewart and could also serve for individuals to do the same. Camp Stewart’s efforts and reliability makes our participation in the parade feasible and enjoyable.