U.S. Army Caisson Horses dying from neglect

 

I’ve recently learned that the United States Army has decided to neglect the horses maintained at the distinguished unit known as The Caisson Platoon, within the renowned Old Guard at Fort Myer, Washington, DC. For those who don’t know about the Caisson Platoon, it’s the unit within the Old Guard that is responsible for escorting the president and providing security in times of crisis. The 3rd Infantry Regiment, also known as the Old Guard, is highly respected and has the solemn duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, and also escorting our fallen warriors to their burial site within Arlington National Cemetery.

Throughout the history of this country, the horses of the Caisson Platoon have played a vital role in military funerals, pulling the caissons carrying the caskets of prominent figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Herbert Hoover, Douglas MacArthur, and John F. Kennedy and others, many have been televised for historical prosperity. These majestic horses, meticulously cared for and trained by the soldiers of the platoon, are a sight to behold as they march in formation. With their coordinated movements and stunning appearance, the horses of the Caisson Platoon embody honor and respect in every procession.

Since 2022, two horses had to be euthanized due to colon impaction, sparking an internal investigation into the living conditions and care of the caisson horses used in military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. This is two horses to many in my book. The United States Army can afford to buy the most sophisticated weapons, pay for transitioning surgery for those who believe they are of a different gender, but when it comes to the livestock within their ranks, they provide poor quality hay and feed, overcrowded grazing lots, inadequate training, lack of resources, and overall poor living conditions for the horses that this one unit exemplifies and showcases to the world. Although the soldiers who care for these horses try their best to maintain the health and integrity of these animals, their efforts to improve the situation, and care diligently for these horses due to the lack of care from the higher ups, these horses continue to die, this is now causing the unit to temporarily suspend the use of caisson support for military funerals. Oh but if one of the top brass or some elected official needs to be buried at Arlington, I can guarantee you the Caisson Platoon will be called upon to serve their funeral for sure. 

I’ve heard that the Army has been working toward addressing the issues surrounding the neglect and ill care presented by the Army and improving the health and well-being of the caisson horses, but progress has been slow. It’s slow because the Pentagon has lost their integrity and honor when it comes to taking care of these horses. I know a lot about these horses as I used to visit them all the time when I worked just outside the base years ago and got to know many of the soldiers who were assigned to the Caisson Platoon. It was a treat for me to visit them weekly and see how they were cared for. So, when this issue was brought to my attention by a soldier stationed in Washington, DC and who used to be stationed at Fort Myer, I became livid that the Army my father served for so many years would neglect the horses that have served this country with honor and distinction for so many years were being mistreated, I became livid.  The Army has 60+ horses within the ranks of the Caisson Platoon who deserve better treatment. Hell if private owners of horses can treat their horses in better conditions, hire qualified and trained Vets to care for their horse, why can’t the United States Army do the same? Years ago when I visited the Caisson Platoon the horses were loved, well-cared for and housed in well maintained stalls being fed proper and clean hay and feed, however, the news of how the news that of 64 Army horses we’ve got some dying due to neglect and mistreatment. This neglect and mistreatment isn’t due  to the soldiers taking care of them, it’s the senior brass not giving a damn about their well-being and care. How about we collect the senior brass at the Pentagon and put them in run down stalls, provide them with moldy hay and feed and when sick instead of sending them to Walter Reed Hospital, we send in a vet that doesn’t care about those senior brass individuals and wait for them to die a horrible death. These animals didn’t ask for the treatment they receive by the Pentagon brass, they just wanted to be loved and cared for like the way our soldiers used to be treated back in the day when honor and integrity meant something to those wearing the Uniform of our Esteemed Army Senior Brass.

Although I’ve never owned a horse, I know plenty of people who do, and we are all animal lovers. So, when I hear a story of animal cruelty of the horses who escort our fallen to their final resting place, I become livid and very angry at those in charge of our Military for allowing animal cruelty to exist within their ranks. If the United States Military can find the funds within the appropriation budget for non-warfare initiatives, projects, and of course nonmilitary medical procedures, but they can’t find the resources to care for these noble animals, then I say those in charge of our military need to find a new job.

It's time to hold our military leaders accountable for their distorted priorities. They can't claim to protect our nation when they can't even care for the horses that honor our fallen heroes.

Where are the liberals who claim to be animal lovers and their cold cash when you need it to take care of a problem that should be a priority, but wait we’re talking about a non-political issue, so they will stay quiet and not help. Go figure. I am demanding justice for these neglected horses and ensure that our military is led by individuals who truly prioritize our nation's security.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts from Pheonix University in Business Management, then a degree in Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Phoenix University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology, her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. In her spare time, Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, Gouache, and pastels. As a political operative having worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 6 blogs that range from art to life coaching, to food, to writing, and opinion or history pieces each week.