Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
3d ago

Army Phases Out Most Military Horse Programs Over Next Year

Closing five programs over the next year reallocates roughly $2 million to bolster warfighting readiness after systemic welfare failures prompted recent reforms.

FILE - A U.S. Army Caisson team carries the remains of Army Pfc. Tramaine J. Billingsley during burial services at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Nov. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File)
FILE - A U.S. Army Caisson team carries the casket of Army Capt. Stephanie Rader, during a full military honors conducted by the Army's 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment through Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., June 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Molly Riley, File)
© Bettmann / Contributor (Getty Images)
Image

Overview

  • The Army announced on July 8, 2025 that it will close its equine programs at five bases—Fort Irwin, Fort Huachuca, Fort Riley, Fort Sill, and Fort Hood—over the next 12 months.
  • A total of 141 horses will be transferred through adoptions or donations to private owners and organizations with none slated for sale.
  • Only the ceremonial caisson teams at Arlington National Cemetery and Joint Base San Antonio will remain active after the drawdown.
  • Officials expect the phase-out to redeploy funds and personnel toward warfighting capability and readiness, saving the service about $2 million annually.
  • The decision follows welfare investigations and a 2022 assessment that uncovered systemic care deficiencies, prompting facility upgrades and expert-led reforms.