After decades of serving with honor in ceremonial units across the country, 141 U.S. Army horses are about to begin a new chapter as beloved family companions and therapy animals. The Army announced it will close most of its ceremonial cavalry programs at bases in Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, California, Kansas, and Arizona, with all horses being offered for adoption rather than sale. These magnificent animals, who have participated in military parades and ceremonies including the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration, will be carefully matched with loving families and organizations that can provide them with the care they deserve. The Army emphasized that these horses “are part of the Army family” and will be treated with the utmost compassion throughout the adoption process.
The transition represents a thoughtful approach to military restructuring, with the Army giving affected bases a full year to wind down operations and ensure proper placement for every horse. While most ceremonial units will close, the Army will continue operating the Old Guard caisson units at Arlington National Cemetery, where horses provide burial honors for fallen service members. This decision comes after the Army recently resumed caisson operations following improvements to animal care standards. The adoption program ensures that these horses, who have served their country with dignity, will spend their golden years in peaceful pastures and loving homes where they can enjoy the retirement they’ve earned.