Rough rider (rank) facts for kids
A Rough Rider was a special role in the old British Army. These people were experts at working with horses. They trained horses and taught soldiers how to ride them well. This job was very important for armies that used horses for travel and fighting.
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What Was a Rough Rider?
Rough Riders were like horse teachers for the army. They helped new horses get used to army life. They also taught soldiers how to ride properly. This included everything from basic riding to more advanced skills needed for military duties.
Training Horses and Riders
The main job of a Rough Rider was to train horses. They made sure the horses were ready for army tasks. They also taught soldiers how to ride. This training was done under the eye of a "riding master." A riding master was an officer who was usually a former Rough Rider themselves.
Ranks and Roles
Sometimes, "Rough Rider" was a military rank. If it was a rank, it was like being a private. This is the lowest rank for a soldier. But "Rough Rider" could also be an appointment. An appointment is like a special job title. So, a higher-ranked soldier, like a non-commissioned officer (NCO), could also be a Rough Rider. For example, a "troop sergeant major" could also be a Rough Rider. Over time, it stopped being a rank but stayed as a special job.
The Special Spur Badge
Rough Riders wore a special badge. It looked like a spur, which is a small metal tool worn on a rider's boot. This badge showed that they were experts with horses.
Who Wears the Badge Today?
Even though the Rough Rider role has changed, the spur badge is still used. Today, riding instructors in some special British Army units wear it. These units include the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery and the Household Cavalry. They still work under a riding master.
The badge is worn on the right upper arm by soldiers like gunners, troopers, and NCOs. It is placed above their rank stripes. Warrant officers, who are more senior, wear it on their lower arm.
Rough Riders Around the World
The term "Rough Rider" and its special spur badge are also still used in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This shows how important horse training has been in different military and police forces.
