Army plans to adopt out horses amid ceremonial program cuts
- The U.S. Army is shutting down most of its ceremonial cavalry units across several bases.
- A total of 141 horses will be adopted out, ensuring their welfare and compassion during the transition.
- This decision is part of an initiative to save costs and streamline military operations, potentially saving about $2 million annually.
In a significant shift, the U.S. Army has decided to discontinue most of its ceremonial horse programs, greatly impacting its historical connection to mounted cavalry units. The announcement, made recently in Washington, outlines that numerous cavalry units across several bases, including Fort Cavazos, Fort Carson, Fort Sill, Fort Irwin, Fort Riley, and Fort Huachuca, will be closed. This decision aligns with the Army's ongoing warfighting realignment initiative aimed at cost reduction. Maintaining efficiency is emphasized as the Army anticipates annual savings of approximately $2 million from these closures. The Army has set a timeline of 12 months for the affected bases to cease operations of the ceremonial cavalry units. According to Army spokesperson Steve Warren, 141 horses will be available for adoption, ensuring that they are treated with compassion as they transition out of military service. The Army has reassured that these animals, which are considered part of the Army family, will not be sold but rather adopted or donated to organizations, emphasizing a commitment to their welfare. This move comes against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny regarding the treatment of horses within the Army's ceremonial units. Recently, there was an investigation that revealed instances of mistreatment, where the horses were inadequately fed and left to graze in locations with limited vegetation. These findings had previously led to the suspension of caisson operations at Arlington National Cemetery, although these operations have since resumed under improved conditions. The Army's decision to move away from ceremonial programs reflects broader governmental efforts to cut expenditures and streamline military operations. The shift marks a new chapter in how the Army approaches its historical traditions, emphasizing operational efficiency alongside the animal welfare responsibilities that come with caring for the horses.