[Mercat]

My great grandfather fought for the union in this battle. Mr. Mercat and I were there 17 years ago. General Sheridan road up on his big black horse and told us the best place to stand. It was awesome!

[SES1066]

The horse's original name was Rienzi but was renamed Winchester. One of the more famous war horses and now stuffed and mounted and can be seen at the Smithsonian in D.C. The horse was taller at the shoulder 5'8" than the General who was 5'5" (in boots).

There is a somewhat famous poem that celebrates the man and horse (last verse);
Hurrah! hurrah for Sheridan!
Hurrah! hurrah for horse and man!
And when their statues are placed on high
Under the dome of the Union sky,
The American soldier's Temple of Fame,
There, with the glorious general's name,
Be it said, in letters both bold and bright:
"Here is the steed that saved the day
By carrying Sheridan into the fight,
From Winchester--twenty miles away!"