U.S. Army Retires Ceremonial Horses at Multiple Bases

The U.S. Army is retiring most of its ceremonial horse programs as part of a warfighting realignment to save approximately $2 million annually, while retaining caisson units for national ceremonial duties at Arlington National Cemetery and Joint Base San Antonio. Ceremonial cavalry units at bases including Fort Cavazos, Fort Carson, Fort Sill, Fort Irwin, Fort Riley, and Fort Huachuca will be closed, with 141 horses to be placed for adoption or donated to vetted organizations, though none will be sold. These changes align with the Trump administration's broader federal cost-cutting initiatives aimed at improving military efficiency, including reductions in top military leadership positions. The Army has committed to treating the horses with compassion throughout the transition, emphasizing their status as part of the Army family. The decision follows a recent resumption of caisson operations at Arlington after addressing previous mistreatment concerns. Historically, horses played a vital role in the Army since the Revolutionary War, but their use has steadily decreased, shifting primarily to ceremonial roles until now.