"…the protection of the Country greatly depends upon… a superiour Cavalry"

"…the protection of the Country greatly depends upon… a superiour Cavalry". N. Greene, February 1781. , During the American Revolution, as in many other aspects of life, horses were irreplaceable assets to the soldiers and civilians who depended on the horse for transportation and farming. Although General Washington originally thought that horse cavalry would not be useful for the Continentals, he soon realized just how important the horse would be to the cause. At the start of the war, the British ordered two cavalry regiments to the American colonies and raised two Legions in America. The Americans established four regiments of dragoons and six Partisan Corps or Legions. During the Southern Campaign, both armies quickly learned that horses would be key to their efforts - providing tactical information, as "shock troops," as a means of transportation over long distances, and for a quick escape when necessary., The Partisans , In the lowlands and backcountry of South Carolina, partisans used local horses in their lightning strikes against the British forces. Francis Marion's men used horses to travel long distances, dismount, fight, and then remount and disappear into the Carolina swamps. Thomas Sumter and Andrew Pickens' troops also used horses, both for mounted infantry and for cavalry units that fought on horseback. Letters from General Nathanael Greene to the partisans often requested the partisans provide horses for his army., The Loyalists , Like the patriots, loyalist militia often used horses for rapid transportation but usually fought on foot. Although there were many loyalists in South Carolina, one unit was unique. In early 1782, the British raised a unit of black dragoons (mounted soldiers who fought on foot) - later known as the Carolina Corps - who were crucial to the defense of Charleston. Led by black officers, the unit fought in the low country until the British evacuation in December 1782. They later served in the British Caribbean as a peace-time force., (captions) , "Little Miss River" is a Marsh Tacky mare pictured at Dragoon Horse Farm in Rembert, SC. Descendants of Spanish horses brought to South Carolina in the 1600s. The Marsh Tacky is a small animal known for its gentleness, intelligence, and stamina. South Carolinians used these local horses throughout the war. Photo by Jackie McFadden., In the 1700s, cavalry officers often supplied their own steeds. The British Army preferred light, agile mounts. The Continentals also prized well-bred hunter type horses for their cavalry. The American Quarter Horse's ancestry stretches to the colonial period when horsemen crossed English imports with native horses. Stock Media provided by anjajuli/Ponds.