The U.S. Army initially decided to shut down five ceremonial horse units and place over 200 horses up for adoption to save $2 million annually and redirect resources toward readiness. However, just before the new year, the Army partially reversed this decision, choosing to retain the horse programs at Fort Hood and Fort Riley due to their unique community engagement roles and capabilities that are difficult to replicate. These two units will be formalized as official programs, continuing to serve as a link between the Army and the public through demonstrations and educational outreach, at an estimated cost of $1.2 million per year.

Alongside this reversal, the Army introduced a new military occupational specialty, “Army Equestrian” (MOS 08H), to professionalize equine care and sustain program standards. The article also highlights the historical significance of horses in U.S. military history, from George Washington’s favored mounts during the Revolutionary War to their critical roles in World War I, emphasizing the enduring legacy and symbolic importance of military horses in American culture and ceremonies.