Horse Marines

The name horse marines was first used by Colonel Edward J. Wilson in the Kentucky Gazette to describe a group of mounted volunteer rangers during the Texas Revolution.

Under the direction of Thomas Jefferson Rusk these horse marines patrolled the Texas coast in anticipation of a landing of Mexican troops.

On 2 June 1836 a company of horse marines found the schooner Watchman in Copano Bay loaded with supplies for the Mexican armies.

[3] When the Marines assumed Legation guard duty in 1905, they took possession of a quartermaster compound with a corral and stables plus 31 halters and assorted horse tack from the 9th Infantry.

[4] After training with donkeys, Marines on M1859 McClellan saddles rode Mongolian horses weighing 650–725 lb (295–329 kg) and standing about 13 h (1.3 m) high.