U.S. Army Restores Horse-Drawn Caissons at Arlington National Cemetery

U.S. Army restored horse-drawn caissons to Arlington National Cemetery in 2025 after shutting the program down in 2023. More than 2,000 funerals occurred without horses while the Army rebuilt the unit.

The service spent about $30 million on new facilities, upgraded equipment, revised training, and horse welfare. The new caisson wagon weighs 1,205 pounds and costs $256,000, compared with the prior wagon’s 2,800 pounds. Col.

Crawford said soldiers are the primary source of early warnings because they spend the most time with the animals. “They’re seeing them all the time, so they can pick up on the little telltale signs,” he said. Recruits begin with 12 weeks of basic horsemanship training, followed by six weeks of advanced instruction in Ocala, Florida.

Many arrive with little or no riding experience. Inga Köhn, a riding trainer, works with soldiers on balance and composure. ” Soldiers spend months learning formation, control of multiple horses, and responses to sudden movements.

Riders are graded on posture, form, and handling of unexpected situations during a final validation test. A soldier who dropped the reins and briefly lost control failed the exercise; instructors said any single safety lapse prevents advancement. Most horses in the detachment are Percherons.

Trainers expose them to loud noises, flags, crowds, vehicle sounds, and an air cannon to simulate funeral conditions. Each horse wears about $24,000 worth of tack during processions. Specialist Christopher Cuby said the horses are “absolutely high maintenance,” but daily care becomes manageable with repetition.

“Some of it can be a little bit tedious, but once you get in a rhythm, once you just take things step by step, it’s not too bad,” he said. ” “We can’t mess anything up,” Sims said. Sgt. ” Cuby added, “We’re taking them to their final resting place.