Army reintroduces horse-drawn caissons for funerals at Arlington

The United States Army has announced the reintegration of horse-drawn caissons for military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, marking a significant return to a long-held tradition. This move comes after nearly two years of efforts aimed at improving the health and living conditions of the horses used in these ceremonies. The new schedule will see the caissons utilized for two funerals each day, limited to a maximum of 10 services per week. Initially, the Army implemented a pause due to the unfortunate deaths of two horses, Mickey and Tony, in early 2022, which brought to light serious concerns about their care and living conditions. Investigations revealed inadequate dietary provisions and insufficient space for the horses, leading to a revamping of the program. In preparation for their reintroduction, the Army has worked closely with equine experts to improve veterinary care, acquire new horses, and enhance training protocols. They have successfully procured 46 horses, with 33 being designated for use in caissons, specifically trained and certified for this duty. The effort to bring back the caisson horses involved making major changes to the program, including adjusting the caisson's weight to lessen the burden on the horses and reorganizing squads. Currently, two squads have completed their training, while a third is nearing readiness. The Army aims to eventually expand to four full squads, which would increase the frequency of caisson funerals. Despite the limit to 10 ceremonies a week, the decision to reintegrate these horses has been met with a mix of enthusiasm and disappointment. Many families whose loved ones have served in the military expressed their desire to have caissons present at their funerals. Eligible service members will include those killed in action, as well as recipients of the Medal of Honor or the Prisoner of War Medal. Nevertheless, the military's commitment to ensuring the horses' welfare during this process remains a priority, as Maj. Gen. Trevor Bredenkamp emphasized the need for sustainable practices moving forward. In conclusion, while the return of caisson horses at Arlington National Cemetery marks a step towards restoring tradition and honoring veterans, the controlled approach reflects lessons learned from past mistakes pertaining to animal welfare. The Army's adjustments will assist in managing the program without returning to previous issues that interrupted the service. Visitors to the cemetery can expect to see the horses in action in June 2023, a testament to renewed dedication and care for these animals who play a crucial role in military honors.