Wham Orientation Package

WHAM ORIENTATION PACKAGE

11416 Orcas Ave, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342 warhorsefoundation.com (818) 694-9277, Fax (818) 896-8310

Heritage Foundation www.warhorsefoundation.com

Dear Fellow Horseman/Trooper/Volunteer, January 2005

Thank for you interest in being a participant/volunteer with the War Horse & Militaria Heritage Foundation (WHAM). Your support, time and dedication are greatly appreciated. Please take a few minutes to read the enclosed documentation, so that you better understand the goals of WHAM, safety, waivers, and standard operating procedures for the organization.

WHAM is a 501-3c foundation under the National Heritage Foundation (NHF) with a miniscule budget that operates solely from donations and volunteers. WHAM is looking for angels and corporate sponsorship in order to survive and grow. Additional funding will allow the foundation to enhance its uniforms and improve the accuracy of it presentation of famous regiments. A larger budget will also help to cover the many operating expenses that make it possible for WHAM to attend more festivals and events. We survive solely on donations and all contributions are fully tax deductible.

If you have any questions about WHAM, NHF or potential donors, please contact Fritz Bronner, Director of WHAM: (818) 694-9277, 11416 Orcas Ave Lake View Terrace, CA 91342.

11416 Orcas Ave, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342 warhorsefoundation.com (818) 694-9277, Fax (818) 896-8310

Goals & Overview: The primary goals of WHAM are to promote “equine spirit from the past”. This is accomplished by presenting famous cavalry regiments throughout history in musical rides, parades, festivals, endurance rides, battle reenactments, filming shoots, VIP events and other functions. We honor the role of the horse in military history by accurately portraying many regiments.

Some of the regiments that we currently present are:

American Colonial Dragoons 1777 Bavarian Chevauleger 1812 Scots Greys 2nd Dragoons 1815 British 17th Lancers 1879 British Queen’s Dragoons 1879 Boer War Yeomanry Cavalry 1900 German Kolonial Kavallerie Prussian Uhlans 1900 Bavarian Chevauleger 1900 Prussian Dragoons 1900 Bavarian WW1 Cavalry

Currently under construction are:

US Cavalry 1930 British Life Guards 1879 Prussian Kuirassier 1900 Indian Lancers

Performing with our equine companions at WHAM events is fun, rewarding and promotes long lasting comradeship.

Riding Philosophy: WHAM promotes a classic English/European style riding technique. This is to insure a military uniformity among all the riders in performance. Please understand that this is not a criticism of other riding styles. We are trying to demonstrate proper English riding and need to maintain this from a historical perspective. We tend to focus more on precision and equitation than just speed.

11416 Orcas Ave, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342 warhorsefoundation.com (818) 694-9277, Fax (818) 896-8310

Levels of involvement:

Rider: WHAM is always looking for riders to join the various regiments and musical ride teams.

Requirements: Participants must be experienced English riders (male or female) from small to medium-large build. (Our current uniform inventory limits us in size range; larger riders might need to acquire personal specific uniforms and or additional equipment). ALL RIDERS must be able to safely perform at all gaits and quickly learn cavalry maneuvers. Our current participants range in age from 10 to 70 years. (JUNIOR RIDERS (UNDER 18) MUST HAVE WRITTEN PARENTAL PERMISSION TO PARTICIPATE). Having your own horse is a plus. Participants who own horse trailers may be asked to assist with transporting horses to various events.

Practices: You must be willing to attend mandatory practices so that the unit can safely and effectively perform the required maneuvers. Practices vary from 1 to 4 times a week. The main practice session usually takes place early, every Saturday morning in the Lake View Terrace Area – All participants must be available for this on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Additional sessions will be added as necessary before specific events.

Extra Skills: Some riders will be asked to carry flags, lances or weapons, use of firearms, jump or ride side saddle, etc. This will require additional practices and time with horses. More advanced riders will also perform stage combat.

Junior Riders: (less than 18 years of age) will be evaluated for their riding skills, maturity and responsibility. Their parents will understand that a disruptive rider is a potential safety hazard and can be asked to leave to leave the team. They will be required to learn safety procedures, English riding, some history of horses and cavalry as well as equine health and grooming. They will occasionally be reviewed or tested for their knowledge of horses, equipment, maneuvers and history. While this provides an invaluable education experience for the young participant, it is also a serious commitment. As part of the team, they will be relied upon by the group as a whole and must be capable of handling the responsibility of that magnitude. Promptness, preparedness, self-discipline and a “team-player” attitude are absolutely mandatory. Riders less than 18 years of age are required to have their parents sign a waiver of liability in order to participate.

11416 Orcas Ave, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342 warhorsefoundation.com (818) 694-9277, Fax (818) 896-8310

Volunteers: Your participation in WHAM is greatly appreciated even if you are not a rider. Whether you are a horse lover, history buff, friend or relative, we need extra hands! Volunteers provide invaluable assistance as ground crew helping with uniforms, equipment, horses, rider support, training, transportation, video and still photography and many other critical assistance positions. Often we have hats or uniforms for you to borrow, so that you are a participating member of the group and able to be with the riding team in secure areas behind scenes. We often have our non riders march in parades with the mounted unit in full uniforms. WHAM also participates in many historical battle events that offer tremendous opportunities for involvement by ground personnel.

Horses: Allowing the use of your horse as a participant with WHAM will offer invaluable training and conditioning. Drill practices teach the horses to be well mannered and experience. They will be exposed to many different stimulus and challenges, including music, crowds, applause, flags, drums, trumpets and many other items. We have found that the horses that do participate regularly with WHAM enjoy the musical rides and company of other horses. Some horse owners have found this regimen very beneficial for their horses to having exercise and it also helps their state of mind. Horse candidates will be evaluated and continually observed by WHAM to see if they are suitable candidates as participants. WHAM considers several criteria, including, health, ability, training, temperament, attitude, breed, color, experience etc. Some horses may need more individual training before they can safely perform with other horses. Please be advised that some horses may not be best suitable. Horse owners will also need to sign a waiver of release.

Team Spirit: The musical ride can best be described as a precision dance with horses. Each rider must partner not only with his or her horse, but with every other horse/rider team and the group as a whole during a program. This makes the musical ride among the most mentally challenging of equine events. Everyone must all work together in sync; monitoring spacing, speed, distance, awareness of other riders and most importantly safety. Learning new choreography can be challenging and occasionally frustrating, requiring patience and calm persistence from all concerned. A good positive attitude and an ability to understand the needs of the team as a whole is often the greatest value.

11416 Orcas Ave, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342 warhorsefoundation.com (818) 694-9277, Fax (818) 896-8310

Public Contact: Remember that as a member of WHAM, you will be in the public eye. You must enjoying speaking and sharing with the public, helping to teach others about horses, riding and history. You also need to vigilant for safety with the public nearby! Performances, especially in difficult conditions such as hot days in wool uniforms can be stressful. (Be sure to take electrolytes and drink plenty of fluids.) The public will approach members (and should be encouraged) wanting to take photographs, pet the horses, ask questions etc, you and your horse must accept and be prepared for these occurrences in advance.

We are ambassadors who must remain friendly, approachable, knowledgeable and polite at all times in our dealings with the public. Please take down information and accept business cards, the person you are talking to could be a future donor or participant.

If you have an issue or concern with a fellow participant/volunteer, please keep this discussion out of the public eye or ear. Try to resolve this in a civil manner in private.

Costs: As a team, we share expenses and costs. Most events have entry fees which can vary greatly. Other expenses involved in performing can include: transportation/gas, insurance, dry cleaning of uniforms after events, class or clinic participation fees, incidental fees such as snacks and drinks that are brought for the use of WHAM members during an event. If other expenses arise in conjunction with a specific event they will also be fairly divided among the participants.

In addition to parades, exhibitions, musical rides, battle reenactments etc., WHAM also participates in endurance rides, often in uniform. Each rider will be required to cover their own expenses at these events.

A great deal of historical and cavalry equipment is provided by WHAM and needs to be properly maintained and cared for. Once items are issued to a rider or participant for and event, those items are the rider’s/participants’ responsibility. If any item is lost or seriously damaged, it is expected that the rider will replace the item.

It is also recommended that all riders obtain insurance from USA Equestrian.

Uniforms: Each rider or volunteer is expected to take care of the WHAM uniforms and equipment. While performing, riders will be wearing replica or original uniforms, hats and helmets. Much of this is based on history, tradition and custom. Often these helmets and or hats are potentially not as safe as the modern equestrian helmet, but to maintain historical accuracy they will be required for public performances or events. Each rider and parent of a Junior Rider should carefully evaluate any potential the risk and make an informed decision as to whether they are willing to participate with a “historical hat or helmet”. This must be something you agree to before you join WHAM.

As mentioned the Safety Rules, each rider should wear a certified equestrian safety helmet during practices. This is required for Junior Riders whenever riding with WHAM except as stated as above

11416 Orcas Ave, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342 warhorsefoundation.com (818) 694-9277, Fax (818) 896-8310

Hair, Jewelry Glasses & Tattoos: During all public performances, we ask that you wear no make-up or prefer you use a conservative neutral color as are used in the modern military or as commercial aviation pilots. Please roll or braid your hair into the helmet or uniform so that it is discreet. Remove all “in view” jewelry, including earrings, and cover any piercing that are not historical to the regiment. Please put base make-up over tattoos to completely hide them. Hair color must be natural colorings range and not “punk” colors. No sunglasses can be worn during performances or parades. If you wear eyeglasses, please consider period looking frames if possible or contact lens.

Knowledge: Everyone participating with WHAM must be able to communicate well with the public about horses, the foundation, the uniform they are wearing and the regiment it represents, cavalry maneuvers, etc. WHAM will provide each rider access to this information, but it will be the participant’s responsibility to be prepared to answer the public’s questions cordially and accurately. The Junior Riders will be occasionally tested to determine how completely they have learned the required background information- adults will be expected to lead by example.

This is a learning experience for all involved; often there is feedback from the public. The majority of it is very positive, but occasionally there is an odd response. Never get into an argument - - just say that you find that “very interesting” and that you or WHAM will look further into this subject matter. Or if they could help donate, perhaps WHAM could better afford the item etc…If a problem persists please refer it to Fritz.

Risks: When working around and on horses during practices, performing or at events that WHAM is participating at, there is a potential risk for injury for participants and horses. Horses can be unpredictable when faced with unusual situations. Please fully read, understand and sign the safety rules and waivers.

Photography and Video Taping: During WHAM practices and public events, there will often be photographs or video taping or filming of WHAM Riders and volunteers. WHAM uses these images for promotion, advertising, fundraising and display. To be part of WHAM, it is required that a waiver is signed for photographic/image rights regarding the participant and the horse.

Health Insurance: You must have your own private medical insurance in order to participate with WHAM. Also we strongly urge to consider getting individual coverage with USA Equestrian. It protects you and has liability coverage for your horse(s), for approximately $40 per year. (859)258-2472 www.equestrian.org

Horses: For a horse to participate with WHAM needs to be healthy and intelligent, preferably 14-17 hands and comfortable with English riding techniques. It must perform well on the bit, in English tack and with a well-fitting English saddle. Each horse is evaluated for its ability to work in close proximity with other horses at all gaits. Some horses may not be physically or temperamentally suited to work in the musical ride. When horses are loaned to WHAM, the foundation reserves the right to right to evaluate each horse as well as to determine the ability level and the suitability of the rider.

11416 Orcas Ave, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342 warhorsefoundation.com (818) 694-9277, Fax (818) 896-8310

Some of the units use Arabian horses, which are often more hot blooded. We encourage the use of all breed horses in our events, but please understand at some specific events, we must select by breed or color of horse. While training, performing with and/or transporting horses, there is a potential for riders, horses and people around them to get injured. Please read, understand and sign the safety rules and waiver.

Bomb-proofing your horse: The more Practices you attend with your horse, the more relaxed both of you will be in more stressful performance environments. Even if you know the musical ride program very well, your horse still needs the routine and repetition of regular practice. AT home, introduce your horse to distractions he or she may encounter at events: music, clapping, pop sounds, flags, bags, cans, etc. Play lots of classical music, it has a wider range of diverse sound and rhythm. Marching Regimental music and sound effects recordings are additional useful training aids to desensitize your horse to unusual, potentially frightening noises. Also occasionally bang on poop bins and other items in or near their stalls to get use to sudden odd noises.

When working with flags, start slowly and gently, minimizing the motion of the flag and pole. Once the horse is accustomed to a flag in a stationary position on all sides of the horse, start weaving it in all directions, drop the flag on the ground, drag it across the ground and all over the horse’s body, and repeat this until the horse is completely bored with the process.

Basic Equipment and Uniforms Requirements: For performances, riding participants will need to acquire a few basic items. Many of these items can be obtained brand new or slightly used via used tack stores and on eBay at very affordable prices) WHAM has some loaner gear and tack to assist new members.

Boots: Each rider will need tall (up near the knee) black English boots for performances and appearances. Dressage style or military cavalry boots are preferred to field boots. Pants: Each rider will need at least one pair of khaki and one pair of white English riding pants. Shirts: Each rider will need a white long sleeved shirt. Helmet: Each rider will wear a helmet during practices. Saddles: Each rider will need to ride in a brown English or European military saddle. Girth Strap: White mohair cord girth strap. Double Rein: Each bridle is brown, flat (not raised) leather with matching double reins. Bits: English Pelham, snaffle or ported, silver in color. Stirrups: Classic English style, silver in color with white stirrup pads.

NOTE: For a specific regiment or specialty horse, there may be additional items needed. WHAM has some of these items and can loan them occasionally for events.

Behavior in Public or at Events: We expect all participants at WHAM events to behave in a professional and polite manner with fellow riders, volunteers, judges, other participants, event personnel, coordinators and especially the public. (This applies whether we are in a performance situation or in back staging areas.) If a rider is unruly or not acting in a safe manner, they will be asked to remove themselves If a horse is injured, lame, unruly or acting dangerous, it will also be removed.

11416 Orcas Ave, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342 warhorsefoundation.com (818) 694-9277, Fax (818) 896-8310 Try to be discreet, professional and friendly. Do not use profanity in front of the public. Do not scream or shout, go through the chain of command.

Appearance in Public: While we are not in active military service and are not really the nationality or regiment that we are portraying, the public expects you to behave in an appropriate fashion maintaining a proper military manner and appearance. If other units salute you or you see officers or color guards, you shall give a courtesy salute. Please respect the regiment and the history that you are presenting and you will find a very appreciative audience.

We expect you to wear your uniform in a proper military manner at all times.

Posture, how you stand, sit or hold equipment is also very much part of your presentation, so please maintain decorum and treat your equipment with respect. DO not throw or discard equipment around, drag it on the ground or leave lying in a heap If you are suffering from heat stroke or are having a health problem please inform fellow participants so that they can take over looking after your horse, uniform and tack. In such a case, immediately remove your self and change completely into civilian clothes.

Groomed Horses: At events all horses will be cleaned, shampooed and bushed. Mohair must be trimmed and at parades and special events hooves will be blackened and lacquered. Please remove excess chestnuts and power over or cover scraps and bite marks. Please try to help and assist fellow participants. Major events may also require braiding of hair and inserts of flowers or other ornamentation.

Communication: If you have concerns or safety issues please discuss this before an event or practice. If you have special ways or manners with your horse or specific requests regarding its handling, please communicate this to WHAM and its participants before we are with the public or at an event. You need to understand that in a dangerous situation or occurrence, fellow riders or volunteers must be able to help with, assist or handle any horse in the group for the safety of the horse, rider, other participants or the public.

Participation Goal: WHAM would like every available member to be a participant at every event. However, we face many hurdles, including expenses, scheduling conflicts, age requirement by the event, availability of sound horses, lack of equipment or limitation of uniforms, equipment, odd number of riders, color of the horse, behavior of a specific horse or a rider’s ability level. Please understand there are many factors that may come into play and all decisions regarding participation will be determined solely by the Director and/or Chef d’Equip.

Check List:

Did you read the Goals & Overview? Did you read the Safety Rules? Did sign the Liability Waiver? Did you sign the Photo Release Waiver? Have contacted USA Equestrian for insurance? (859)258-2472 www.equestrian.org Please read and keep the regimental history summary.

11416 Orcas Ave, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342 warhorsefoundation.com (818) 694-9277, Fax (818) 896-8310