GARRY OWEN, THE PRIDE OF FORT BLISS

by KNOWLES-PETERSON

Through my 50 years in the horse business, I tried to read every little story I could find about horses. Although I never participated in Jumping, Hunting, etc., I did sell a future World Champion Jumper at the Astrodome in Houston. Here is a story I particularly enjoyed named "Garry Owen, The Pride of Fort Bliss," by Knowles-Peterson. A very unusual offering, seldom seen and rarely found, it is the story of the best cavalry jumping horses. Horses that won ribbon, events, shows during the exhibition of the great horses of the cavalry. Here are the names of "Garry Owen" (At Madison Square Garden, he won fifteen blue ribbons, seven red and placed in six other events, won The First Cavalry Division Horse Show for four years in succession, won at Howze Stadium in the Olympic jumping ring. This is his story and of his riders, Sgt. George Lewis, Col. A. A. Frierson, Capt. Clyde Garrison, and many more. The 7th Calvary tradition started when Capt. Myles W. Keogh's, Troop F horse, Comanche, the lone survivor of the Custer slaughter managed to escape. He was retired to a box stall for the rest of his life and Comanche would be led at the head of the regiment draped in black. This is that story, one that you will enjoy. Other great champion cavalry horses mentioned are "Trooper", "Rising Star", "Warrior", "Kaiser", "Buddy", "Thunder", "Louis". There is a moving story following the history of the Division and may I just quote. "On December 14, 1932 at historic Fort D. A. Russell in Marfa, Texas, in the last parade, the Black Hawk Cavalry enlisted men faced to the front, "Louie", the oldest horse of the regiment, caparisoned in black and wearing the regiment crest, was led in front of the regiment as the band played John Peel, then Boots and Saddles and the Auld Lang Syne. Dec. 14, 1932 was a memorable day for the 1st Cavalry Regiment. An era ended, another began. The famed organization turned to its task of pioneering a new military field" and the horse era of the U.S. Army was ended. I believe you will love this piece.