US Army Reverses Decision to Cut Horse Units

The US Army has announced plans to reinstate equine programs at Fort Riley and Fort Hood. This decision reverses a strategy announced last summer to eliminate all but two of the service's horse-mounted ceremonial units. The Army originally sought to shutter five programs to save money, but has since determined that retaining these units serves the best interests of the force.

Officials noted that these ceremonial units help bridge the gap between soldiers and the public. This connection is viewed as increasingly important as civilian-military disconnect grows. The reinstated programs will join the units at Arlington National Cemetery and Joint Base San Antonio, which were never targeted for closure. The reversal also follows years of internal assessments regarding equine welfare and management standards across the Army.

The US Army has reversed its stance on reducing the size of its ceremonial horse units. Last year, the service announced plans to disband five equine programs to focus on efficiency and lethality. The proposed cuts were part of a broader cost-cutting blitz across the federal government. The Army estimated that eliminating the units would save roughly $2 million annually.

Despite the financial incentives, the Army has had a change of heart. Col. James Fuhriman, the assistant deputy for Army health affairs, stated that the service determined retaining these programs is in the best interests of the force. The Army acknowledges that the units serve as valuable recruiting and public engagement tools. They act as a visible link between troops and the American people, particularly as civilians become more disconnected from the military.

The reinstatement affects two specific locations:

• Fort Riley, Kansas
• Fort Hood, Texas

Each of these programs will return with 22 horses and two mules. They will join the two major programs that were never slated for elimination: the ceremonial units at Arlington National Cemetery and Joint Base San Antonio.

The debate over the equine programs has been closely tied to equine welfare concerns. In 2022, an internal assessment identified widespread deficiencies across nearly all Army equine programs. The report cited inadequate access to specialized hoof care and a lack of specialized equine expertise. A separate investigation documented multiple preventable horse deaths within the Arlington National Cemetery unit.

Regarding the two programs being reinstated, the 2022 assessment provided a mixed picture:

1. Fort Hood received high marks and was ranked as the Army's best-managed equine program.
2. Fort Riley scored poorly in management and veterinary care.

However, Army spokesman Tony McCormick noted that the Fort Riley program has since achieved measurable gains in equine care. Improvements were attributed to increased oversight from a military equine task force and the unit overseeing Arlington's horses. The Army has also created a new equestrian job designator to standardize training and acquisition under civilian expert guidance.

The Washington, DC-based caisson detachment plays a vital role in military ceremonies. This unit performs funeral ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. In recent years, the unit has undergone significant changes, partnering with world-renowned experts to overhaul rider training and horse care. The unit returned to public prominence during the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter in January 2025.

According to a press release, the Fort Hood and Fort Riley programs will be formally established as Army programs. Their mission includes serving as a link between the Army and the American people through public demonstrations, educational outreach, and participation in local events. While the Army has reinstated these programs, it remains unclear if they will receive additional funding. Civilian equine experts have previously testified that flexible contracting and civilian oversight are essential for transforming these programs successfully.