Troopers with the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment

Troopers with the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment “Garryowen,” 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, under go a gear inspection for the squadron’s Spur Ride held here April 29. Those conducting the test were considered Spur Candidates throughout the process and the ones administering the daylong test were all Spur Holders who had earned the spurs in past Spur Rides. The Spur Ride is steeped in historical tradition, tracing its origins all the way back to Medieval times. The Spur Ride is designed to test the candidates' physical, mental, and emotional ability to deal with extreme situations, as well as their knowledge of cavalry operations. This Spur Ride in particular is significant as it is the last Spur Ride to be conducted by the Garryowen Squadron, as they are scheduled to be inactivated in January 2015 per the Army’s troop draw down plan. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Richard Wrigley, 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, Public Affairs NCO)