The back lawn of the Geary County Historical Museum was the site for a demonstration on Wednesday by the Fort Riley Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard. They performed on day one of the three-day Time Traveler Camp for youth ages 8 – 13.

The youth traveled back in time to become cavalry soldiers, learning about such things as making ropes used for army horses to learning about troops ate. Jennifer Dixon, Programs and Education Coordinator for the Historical Society, said the theme of the camp is Fort History. “This is a great opportunity for the kids to see that there weren’t tanks, there weren’t helicopters, people had ride horses to fight.”

Fort Riley was home to U.S. Cavalry units from its earliest days until the 1940s, when the Army transitioned away from horse-mounted forces. During days two and three at the camp the participating youth will lesarn about World War I and World War II.

Captain Patrick Nekey of the Color Guard said on Tuesday the troopers performed drill and ceremony for the audience, which also included some members of the general public. “Similar to what they would have taught at the U.S. Cavalry School at Fort Riley.” Nekey said they also performed the saber and pistol training courses. That was taught in the past at Fort Riley.