Logistics (Horse Cavalry)

Created April 2024

Typical Weights in 19th Century U.S. Cavalry Units

Average Weight of U.S. Cavalry Horse across 10 Regiments

1,052 lbs

Total Weight on Horse

220 to 255 lbs
(20.9% to 24.2% of horse wt.)

Cavalry Trooper Weight

130 to 150 lbs
(165 lb max allowable)
(12.4% to 14.3% of horse wt.)

Total Equipment Weight (saddle, gun, boots, etc)

90 lbs
(8.6% of horse wt.)

U.S. Cavalry Saddle Weight

17 lbs
(1.6% of horse wt.)

Reference:
Horse, Saddles, and Bridles by Col. William Carter (1895)