Mystic's Denison Homestead to feature slice of cavalry life

Mystic - Visitors to the Denison Homestead museum on Sunday will get an up-close look into the life of cavalry unit during the American Revolution as Sheldon's Horse Second Continental Light Dragoons will offer demonstrations through the day.

According to the Sheldon's Horse website, the organization was re-established in 1978 as "a nonprofit educational organization, a re-established military unit and historical organization, and is dedicated to giving the public a glimpse of cavalry life during the American Revolution."

It states the unit "sets a high standard of authenticity in uniforms and equipment, drill and maneuvers of that time period while performing many modern day services and ceremonies for federal, state, local, military agencies."

The original Sheldon's Horse, The Second Continental Light Dragoons, was commissioned by Congress in 1776 and operated until 1783. Today it uses rescue horses that have been rehabilitated and trained to participate in the demonstrations.

The event begins at 11 a.m. with an officers' call and camp opening in the large field next to the museum.

At 1 p.m. there will be an artillery demonstration, followed at 1:45 p.m. by an American infantry drill at 1:45 p.m., a cavalry demonstration at 2:30 p.m. and troop assembly and review at 3 p.m.

In addition, the museum will host spinning, weaving and craft demonstrations. The museum is located at 120 Pequotsepos Road.

More information is at www.denisonhomestead.org.