U.S. Army to Retire Most Ceremonial Horse Units, Offer Horses for Adoption

In a significant shift to prioritize combat readiness, the U.S. Army has announced plans to retire the majority of its ceremonial horse units. Over the next year, horses from five military installations will be adopted out, transferred, or donated as part of the service’s strategy to reallocate resources toward modern warfare capabilities.

The decision is expected to save the Army an estimated $2 million annually, according to Army spokesperson Steve Warren. It also reflects broader government efforts to scale back federal spending and trim top-level military roles.

 

A Tradition Winds Down

Units affected by the change are located at Fort Irwin (California), Fort Huachuca (Arizona), Fort Riley (Kansas), Fort Sill (Oklahoma), and Fort Hood (Texas). Leaders at each base have 12 months to find suitable new homes for the horses, none of which will be sold. The Army’s Military Working Equid Task Force, which oversees the care of horses, mules, and donkeys, will ensure animals are placed with appropriate, compassionate owners.

As of now, the Army cares for 236 equines, including horses, mules, and donkeys. Of those, 141 are slated for adoption or reassignment.

“This isn’t just a logistics decision, it’s an emotional one,” said Warren. “These animals are part of our Army family, and we’ll ensure they’re treated with the respect and care they deserve.”

Exceptions and Enduring Roles

Not all ceremonial horses are being retired. The well-known caisson platoons responsible for funeral honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia and Joint Base San Antonio in Texas will continue operations. These horses, part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), will remain active, supported by a newly expanded $30 million, five-year modernization plan.

Recent controversies have cast a spotlight on equine care within the Army. In 2022, two horses from the Arlington caisson unit died within days of each other, one found to have over 40 pounds of gravel and sand in its digestive tract, an entirely preventable death. A subsequent investigation revealed systemic problems: moldy feed, poor stable conditions, lack of veterinary oversight, and exposure to harmful substances.

That investigation prompted a complete review, temporary suspension of the Arlington unit, and a major overhaul. The horses recently returned to duty with upgraded gear, improved stables, personalized saddles, and a more humane schedule. A new horse farm is also underway to support the unit’s long-term care. 

A Historic Role Nears Its End

Once vital on the battlefield, horses have gradually faded from military use in the U.S. since World War II. The last recorded cavalry charge occurred in the Philippines during that conflict. In modern times, equines have served mostly symbolic and ceremonial functions, though some were used by Special Forces in Afghanistan in the early 2000s using locally sourced mounts.

By retiring these ceremonial horse programs, the Army is moving further into a future dominated by technology and mobility. Though steeped in tradition, the change reflects an evolving military that must balance heritage with practicality.