The Army has extended its suspension of providing horse-drawn caissons for military funeral honors at Arlington National Cemetery through June 2024, a decision service officials said Wednesday is necessary to rehabilitate 27 horses and reset the troubled program.
The 3rd Infantry Regiment's Caisson Platoon, which provides horses and wheeled platforms to transport fallen service members and military retirees to their burial sites at the hallowed Virginia cemetery, announced a 45-day suspension in April to assess the health of the herd and review their living conditions.
The review found that 27 horses in the 48-member herd had muscle and joint injuries, as well as hoof issues, that required rehabilitation. Needing at least 24 healthy, trained horses for three squads, and to give the service time to improve the herd's living conditions at Fort Myer and Fort Belvoir, Virginia, the decision was made to stand down caisson support for the year.
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“We recognize the suspension may be disappointing to many of our families. We certainly understand. But we do believe it's the right thing to do,” Arlington National Cemetery Superintendent Ray Alexander said during a call with reporters.
The suspension affects only the way remains are transported to a burial site. The plan will be for bodies or cremains to be carried in a hearse or other cemetery…
