Bryce,
I had a couple of ancestors in the 8th GA Cav and did some research on the Regt in relation to their respective companies several years ago. At the time I was thinking of doing a history of the 20th GA Cav Bn, but wound up doing the 50th GA Inf Regt. Since then, I just haven't had the time.

Needless to say, the final weeks/days of the 8th is confusing at best. Here is what I was able to find out, basically from the ORs:

The ANV org rpt of 1/31/65, listed the 8th GA (Col Joel Griffin) with Dearing's Bde, in W.H.F. Lee's Div.

The ANV org rpt of 2/28/65, listed the 8th GA (Col Griffin) as still w/Dearing's Bde, in W.H.F. Lee's Div

A Union rpt of 3/22/65, referenced deserters "received" from 4th NC of Robert's Bde. It mentions the 8th GA Cav being part of the Bde and having been recently sent to Raleigh, but I believe that is in error. Co G of the 8th GA was detached in Jan/Feb and sent to NC. I believe the deserter was from Co G.

It gets really confusing from here on until the end. Assuming the 8th remained with Dearing's Bde, it would have been involved in the withdrawal from Petersburg. Dearing's Bde was detached to Rosser's Div after the fall of Petersburg and participated in the fighting near High Bridge, where Dearing was killed. According to Gen. Fitz Lee's final report, dated 4/22/65, on April 9th, both Rosser's and W.H.F. Lee's divisions participated in the unsuccessful "breakout." According to the report, W.H.F. Lee was captured, but Rosser and a portion of his division got away, at least for the time being. Maybe the 8th just disbanded and went home.

Dearing's Bde was listed at the surrender under Rosser's Div. However, no units within the brigade were identified. Surely there has to be a pension application from a member of the 8th that could shed some light. Unfortunately, both my ancestors were assigned to look for new mounts in late 64/early 65. Neither made it back to their commands before the end.

Hope this helps just a little. Good luck!!
Jim