Today's modern military doesn't conjure up many images of horses in combat, so it might surprise you that the Army still uses them.
They're no longer used in combat, of course, but just like these horses that help veterans recover from PTSD, they perform a valuable service to their nation.
When a veteran is killed in combat and eligible for burial in Arlington National Cemetery, he or she is transported to the location in a carriage pulled by special animal service members known as "caisson horses."
Recently, two cassion horses retired from the service, and now the Army has announced that they will give them away absolutely free.
Because they were active members of one of America's proudest military traditions, the Army won't let them be adopted by just anyone looking for a few free farm animals. There's a very strict vetting process, but these horses certainly deserve to end up in a good and loving home in the end.
Scroll through below to learn more about these dedicated service horses and what it takes to adopt them!
Caisson horses serve in the Army’s Old Guard.
They're responsible for pulling the caskets of deceased veterans to Arlington National Cemetery for burial.
The typical cassion horse will perform this duty eight times a day, every other week, in every sort of weather.
The choreographed burial procession for military members is led by a riderless horse. It's also one of the most solemn and stylized rituals in the nation.
It requires haunting uniformity and precision, as well as horses that have an extremely calm temperament.
After participating in thousands of military funerals, two of these hardy animals are ready to retire.
The horses will go free to two lucky new owners, but the vetting process is strict.
One of the cassion horses currently up for adoption is Kennedy.
According to the Old Guard website, Kennedy is a 15-year old, black Standardbred gelding at 14.3 hands.
"Kennedy is a handsome animal and was quite impressive as the 'rider less' horse," explains the website.
Unfortunately, he was retired permanently by the Regimental Commander for kicking and striking out with back legs at cars and soldiers.
Because of this, his next owner must be especially experienced and patient.
The second horse up for adoption is Quincy.
According to the Old Guard website, Quincy is an 11-year old, black Quarter Horse gelding.
"Quincy is one of the most popular horses in the Caisson Stables. He is known to be very loving and enthusiastic towards visitors and especially children," the site explains.
Unfortuantely, a foot condition caused his service to be cut short.
"Quincy’s feet have very thin soles which make him sensitive to hard ground when he is not shod."
The Old Guard cares for their cassion horses as if they were actual soldiers, and as such, are very careful about who is allowed to adopt them.
There is a six-page application (available online) that asks questions including, "How often do you think a horse should be wormed?" and "If you go on vacation, what would you do with this animal?"
Staff Sgt. David Smith told the Washington Post that a herd manager from the Army travels to prospective homes to make sure the horses find a good place where they can live in peace.
"These guys did their service," Smith said. “It’s their time to be a horse.”
Would you want to adopt one of these incredible horses? What do you think of their important and impressive service? Let us know in the comments.
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