by Ellen Harvey, Harness Racing Communications

Freehold, NJ — The US Army’s Caisson Platoon, quartered at Fort Myer, Virginia, is seeking a donated Standardbred gelding to be trained for the position of Caparison Horse. The “Cap Horse” is also known as the riderless horse, and appears in the procession following the remains of a high ranking soldier to their grave in Arlington National Cemetery.

The riderless horse is saddled and bears the tall boots of an officer, turned backward to symbolize the officer looking out over his troops one final time.

The Platoon is seeking a horse to join the other Standardbreds who serve as Caparison horses, including Sergeant York, registered name Allaboard Jules, and Omar, aka Decision Street. Those horses are in their upper teens and still serving full time.

They will consider geldings only, solid black, though a small star is acceptable. Horses should be between the ages of 4 and 7, as the training period extends close to a year and the Army would like the horse to be in service for a long time. Preferred size is 15.2 or 15.3, to be in proportion to the soldier walking the horse.

The horse must be well mannered, able to be turned out with other geldings and reasonably calm. The Army training program will acclimate the horse to cannons, gunfire, flags, etc. The horse must be sound enough to walk several miles a day on pavement. Caparison horses are never ridden; exercise is provided by lunging when needed and turnout time.

Caisson Platoon horses reside in a historic 100-year-old stable adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery. They are cared for by enlisted soldiers, with a ratio of 1 soldier to 2 horses, an in-house farrier and regular “vacation” intervals at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

If you have or know of a horse that fits those requirements, please send a photo and other details to Ellen Harvey at HRCNews@ustrotting.com or call 732-780-3700.