An Interview with a Battle Road 2016 Rider – Bob Allegretto

An Interview with Bob Allegretto about Revolutionary War Reenactors and Battle Road in Lexington, MA

Interview with Battle Road Revolutionary War Reenactors Bob Allegretto & Julie Grant in Lexington, MA.

What organization do you usually ride with? I ride as the commanding officer of the 2d Regt Light Dragoons, Tallmadge’s Troop. The regiment was formed in 1989 after being with some other organizations and seeing the need to form something specific. We have several Revolutionary War Reenactors who have researched the regiment over all these years and continue to improve the impression and portrayal of mounted and dismounted dragoons and the civilian ladies, men and children that follow the army.

1. Who gets to ride horses at these living history events. Do people have to get approved by the National Park System or the local town sponsoring committee? I personally worked with the National Park Service staff at Minute Man National Historical Park in 1996 and 1997 to push bringing horses back the park. It took a lot of work and convincing as there were numerous reasons they had for not allowing it. Believe it or not, one reason was the hoof prints on their new reconstructed dirt road. When I convinced them that bicycle tires actually did more damage and also showed our exceptional safety record, they finally agreed to it. I have been the only person since that date to be allowed to coordinate bringing horses to Minute Man National Historical Park for their Battle Road events. We constantly rotate a pool of very capable and competent riders who field together on a regular basis. This constant level of training keeps our riders sharp and aware and gives the Park staff the comfort level needed to allow us on this magnificent property.
2. What is the purpose of bringing horses to these events? Horses were used all the time during this time period and sorely under represented at Revolutionary War period events. Townsfolk, militia and military all had horses at their disposal. We know of at least two documented militia riders at the North Bridge on the morning of April 19 and several others throughout the day. It was also very common for British Officers and even some loyalist guides to ride along with the column of regular British soldiers. Of course we should also remember that Revere, Dawes and Prescott were stopped by British Officers the night before. All were on horses.
3. When do you reenact with horses? Is there a schedule that people can add to their family calendars to see more events like Patriot Day Weekend in the future? The Second Regiment Light Dragoons, Tallmadge’s Troop is one of several mounted (and dismounted) reenactment regiments within the Rev War reenacting community. We generally attend several events a year where horses are used. Though there are other events where horses simply can’t be brought due to area limitations or other reasons. We publish our schedule early in the year to list the event we plan to attend. The Battle Road event on Patriot’s Day weekend is always on our schedule. I’ll have to update the list to specify which other events will (or may) include horses. Check us out at www.2dragoon.org
4. Where do you reenact with horses, is it only in Massachusetts? Our regiment has attended events with horses from Quebec Canada to Greensboro, SC and that isn’t the limit. Any site that is doing a Rev War period event that we can attend with horses is a possibility for us.
5. How many years have you been reenacting with horses? I started riding at events in 1984 when I borrowed my sister-in-law’s horse and a friends trailer and drove from Burlington, MA to Saratoga, NY. It was pretty exhilarating as well as terrifying to do this the first time. Since that weekend I have ridden at least 40 different horses at hundreds of events along the east coast. Some events included working on shows for television such as documentaries, major movies and even commercials.
6. Why do you do it? For the love of history and to show people what times were like back then. I personally try very hard to portray someone of that time period and doing it on a horse just makes everything better. From the first time I got on a horse back in 1984, I was hooked. I think part of it was the fact that it seemed natural to me. I took a few lessons after a year of riding without them to tighten up on my technique a bit, then it just took off from there. I have loved every horse I’ve ridden and I’m always saddened when we lose one. I had several horses that were wonderful for me but my favorite will always be Roo (Kangaroo).
7. How much work is it to get a horse trained to do Living History events? This all depends on the horse, the rider and how you approach the training. The main thing is exposure. Exposing a horse to things and showing them that everything is OK usually gives them the confidence they need to accept what’s going on. Their confidence always seems to come from my confidence. I’m far from the best rider out there but I am always confident that I can work with the horse I’m riding. The horse will always sense you feelings and react to it. Show it you’re Ok with what you’re doing and the horse will be a great friend and partner on and off the field of battle.