Minute man defenders

[ebonyknight]

If my town is attacked, do my colonists automatically pickup muskets (assuming I have them) and defend the city or must I specifically arm them and have them ready?

I know ideally what should happen, but that doesn't seem to be the norm with this game.

[CWRice]

If you have guns in the town, the colonists automatically fight.

[ebonyknight]

Kool, thanks!

[Mark123jansen]

Will they automatically mount up too if there are horses present?

[Ijuin]

Horses are not automatically used, but ONE Colonist will automatically take up guns as a Soldier to defend the Settlement. If he is defeated, then a second Colonist will not rise in his place.