Fort Concho: Regional Cavalry Competition Continued

The Fort Concho Regional Cavalry Competition brought active military members together to compete starting yesterday.  

At 4 p.m., the dark pistol competition took place with participants riding their horses through an obstacle course while also shooting at balloons tied to nearby posts.

Judges of the competition looked for how well riders controlled their horses and how accurate their shots were at hitting the balloons.  

In the competition, riders were separated into levels one and two. 

Courtney DeLong, Trooper number 2, was the first rider of the pistol portion and placed first in her category with 122 points.

“Since this was my first [competition], I came here for the experience," she explained. "I have had a lot of experience with horse showing, but never with the cavalry world.” 

DeLong came to this competition with her trusted partner and horse, Dalton, and both proved that same morning how well they perform together.

“I’m starting to get a feel for it, and I try to do my best," noted DeLong. "Even though I wasn’t the fastest, it was a learning experience, and [Dalton] is still a little bit shy around gunfire. He’s an awesome horse, and I just want to keep participating.”  

Ron Perry, volunteer for the event, said, “This is the second time that Fort Concho has hosted a cavalry competition.” The first competition held at Fort Concho took place back in 2010.   

Those participating came from Fort Hood and Killeen, and represented the first cavalry division; troopers from Fort Carson, Colorado also participated. Living re-enactors also appeared to participate as part of the living history riders and were a mixed representation form Colorado and Texas.

“We were very pleased that the national association allowed us to host this event,” Perry said.

Bob Bluthardt, site manager of the Fort Conch National Historic Landmark, said “This is an honor for us, and an opportunity. It’s an honor; these men and women represent not only the modern military, but they [also] portray the military of old. We have them here creating something that is such a vital part of our heritage.”

The competition is set to continue through the weekend and will end on Sunday, April 24 with the Fiddlers Green Ceremony at 9 a.m., which is open to the public.  

After participating in the events, the points gathered go towards securing a spot in the United States Cavalry Association's national competition.   

 “These riders are preparing to go to the national competition, which will be held at Fort Reno, Oklahoma in September,” Perry said.