Riverside Cadets Attend Equestrian Camp in Virginia

Katie L. Martin
Freedom Camp, located in Marshall, Virginia, offered Riverside cadets a ten-day experience to learn basic and advanced horsemanship along with studies of United States military history. During this trip, cadets learned the basics of caring for a horse, tacking, trotting, cantering, and riding in formation, which included a mounted color guard practice hosted by Nizar Zakka ’85. Each day consisted of several hours of riding, equestrian care, and history. 
 
The group also visited sites of historical significance such as Cedar Creek and Manassas (Bull Run) battlefields where they observed a reenactment and trail ride with historians. This, along with trips to the US Army Museum and US Army Caisson Platoon, tied in their equestrian studies with the military history topics discussed. Concluding the camp were trips to two polo matches where three cadets participated in the events.
 
Evan Schneider, a sophomore at Riverside, said the most memorable part of the trip was visiting the US Army Caisson Platoon. “It’s been a dream of mine to visit the Caisson Platoon since I was a little boy, so I was really glad to finally have the chance to see it.” Schneider also described the benefits of the trip: “Even though I’ve grown up around horses, I was able to learn new skills, and the experience brought the cadets closer together.”
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