The U.S. Army is taking steps to disband most of its ceremonial cavalry units over the next 12 months as President Donald Trump’s administration continues to make significant changes to the U.S. military.
According to The Associated Press, Steve Warren, a U.S. Army spokesperson, told reporters on Tuesday that the Army will be closing ceremonial horse units at Fort Carson, Colorado; Fort Cavazos, Texas; Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Fort Irwin, California; Fort Riley, Kansas; and Fort Still, Oklahoma. The outlet noted that U.S. Army estimates claim that closing the ceremonial units will save the military roughly $2 million per year.
Warren confirmed that the U.S. Army will allow U.S. bases 12 months to close the ceremonial cavalry units and that 141 horses will be impacted, according to The Associated Press. The Army spokesperson explained that while some of the military horses may be donated to various organizations, none of the military horses will be sold.
Warren described the military horses as “part of the Army family,” adding, “We’re going to treat them with compassion.”
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While the U.S. Army will be phasing out the use of most of its ceremonial cavalry units, The Associated Press reported that the Army will continue operating its Old Guard ceremonial caisson units for military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia and at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas.
Military.com reported that the Old Guard ceremonial cavalry unit at Arlington National Cemetery recently restarted operations after the Army faced backlash following the death of four military horses in a single year.
In April of 2022, CNN reported that two horses that were used to carry caskets at Arlington National Cemetery died, including one horse that died from an intestinal blockage after ingesting 44 pounds of sand and gravel. Military.com reported that two other ceremonial horses died in the same year.
According to Military.com, an internal investigation conducted by the Army discovered that the ceremonial cavalry unit was plagued with multiple issues, such as moldy and dry food, inadequate veterinary oversight, a lack of proper living space, and unsanitary conditions. Following significant backlash regarding the living conditions of the military horses, the Army launched Task Force Military Working Equids in 2022 to examine the living conditions and treatment of the military’s horses, donkeys, and mules.
