David, Mardi Gras in Mamou is a totally different experience than Mardi Gras in New Orleans. In Mamou the big event is riding horses house to house (out in the surrounding area) collecting chickens and other goodies for the Gumbo everybody enjoys later at the big street dance. A wagon hauling a french band follows the riders and your "Mardi Gras song" gets played many times. The riders are dressed in their finest revellry atire. It does make for a unique scene to say the least.

As for music for a Cavalry scene goes I always thought the Jon Bon Jovi tune "Blaze of Glory" would make fine background music. Think of the movie "Young Guns II".