Girl Scout Mounted Troops | Vintage Girl Scout

Girl Scout
Mounted Troops

1960

In 1926, the first official Girl Scout Mounted Troop was registered at Fort Leavenworth, KS. It wasn't until 1929 that the second troop was registered, this time in California. There's no denying that there's always been a special relationship between girls and horses, and with Girl Scouting, it's no different. Beyond the residential camp setting, Girl Scouting developed the Mounted Troops to meet the needs and desires of older Girl Scouts to focus on horses. These troops went beyond the corral, competing in equestrian events, performing drill and marching in parades, running special camps to introduce younger Girl Scouts to the world of horses, and showing the public that Girl Scouting was more than cookies.

1931 brought the first official uniform for Mounted Troops. It included a wool dark green riding jacket, green all-wool flannel shirt, tan or dark green riding breaches and gloves.

Horsemanship Badge

1913-1918

Line drawing of

blue embroidered on white felt

Horsemanship Badge

1918 - 1920

Line drawing of black embroidered on khaki

Horsewoman Badge

1920-1927

Line drawing of black embroidered on khaki

Requirements for the 1918 Horsemanship Badge

1. Demonstrate saddling and bridling a saddle horse.

2. Demonstrate riding at a walk, trot and gallop.

3. Demonstrate harnessing correctly in a single harness.

4. Demonstrate driving in single harness.

5. What are the rules of the road as to turning out?

6. What are the rules for feeding and watering a horse, and how do these vary according to conditions?

7. What implements are used for grooming a horse? Show how they should be used.

8. Hitch a horse, using the best knot for that purpose.

9. Know principal causes of and how to detect and how to remedy lameness and sore back.

10. Know how to detect and remove a stone from the foot.

11. Know the principal points of a horse, and the different parts of the harness.

The Girl Scout Mounted Troops did so much more than perform and teach. They also organized trail rides and outings with their horses.

Mounted Troops weren't limited to only those who could afford to own a horse. In fact most Mounted Troops rented their horses from local riding stables.

Horsewoman Badge

1828-1938

1932

Horsewoman Badge

1939-1962 - design remained the same

Silver Green fabric

Bright Medium Green fabric

Maybe this 1923 book "The Girl Scout on the Ranch" by Edith Lavell inspired some Girl Scouts to join a Mounted Troop.

Light Green Fabric

The official Girl Scout Mounted Troop uniform had long since disappeared by 1955, when this 3" diameter "Senior Patch" was launched. One of 5 "interest" designs, it showed that a specific Senior troop had a focus on being a Mounted Troop.

In 1963 Girl Scouting's Intermediate level divided into two age levels; Junior and Cadette. The Junior level did not have a horse-related badge, beyond what the "Pets" badge had to offer. However, the Cadette level continued the Horsewoman badge, with a bit of an update in the design.

To earn this badge, the Cadette had to learn the basics plus:

Explain safety regulations for riding and equestrian etiquette Know how to select and care for your riding equipment and know how to dress for Western and park riding
Watch a blacksmith shoe a horse
Draw or construct a model stall and tack room
Make an illustrated booklet on the history and development of the horse or collect or take pictures of four leading breeds and tell about their distinctive features and uses
Take part in two: Trail Ride, all-day cross country ride, breakfast or supper ride, horse show, riding drill or demonstration