5-7 cav spur ride

[The Patriot]

Almost 200 Troopers from 5th Squadron 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infatntry Division began their spur ride early this morning. The day began with a layout of their gear, a march through the hills of Camp Hovey, South Korea and the obstacle course.The Spur Ride will last 24 hours and will end early tomorrow morning with a ruck march and Spur Board.The tradition of having to "earn your spurs" reaches back to the beginning of the American Cavalry. When green Troopers first arrived at their new cavalry assignments they were assigned a horse with a shaved tail. This led to the nickname "Shave Tail" for newly assigned, spur-less Soldiers. These new Troopers were in need of extensive training in all areas of horsemanship. The horse with a shaved tail was given extra space in which to operate since its rider was marked as a novice. New Troopers were not allowed to wear spurs because they may misuse or overuse the spurs, injuring the horse. Only when they were able to prove their ability to perform with their horse and saber were they awarded spurs.

More...