Arlington, VA – April 14, 2025
The U.S. Army is set to resume its historic horse-drawn caisson funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery in June 2025, following a transformative overhaul aimed at enhancing horse welfare, training standards, and equipment. The services, paused since May 2023 after the tragic deaths of two horses and concerns about animal care, mark a solemn return to one of the military’s most symbolic traditions.
For over 75 years, the Caisson Platoon of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” has honored fallen service members with ceremonial funerals. However, outdated practices and aging resources prompted the Army to suspend operations and reimagine the program under a new identity: the Caisson Detachment.
“We’ve modernized everything with a horse-first approach,” said Tambour Eller, a 34-year Army Corps of Engineers veteran overseeing the changes. “From facilities to training, the welfare of our horses and the professionalism of our soldiers are top priorities.”
Key upgrades include:
-
Larger stalls (expanded from 10×10 to 14×14 feet), rubberized flooring, and improved sanitation.
-
Turnout enhancements with better drainage and rubber mats at feeding areas.
-
A new 50-acre pasture partnership in Northern Virginia with rehabilitation amenities like aqua treadmills.
-
A $5 million budget boost to manage a younger, healthier herd — lowering the average horse age from 15–20 to 8–10.
-
Modern saddles tailored to each horse and redesigned caissons with reduced weight and rubber wheels.
-
A structured 18-week training pipeline, replacing outdated peer-led methods with formal courses in Virginia and Florida.
Experts, including Olympian David O’Connor and driving specialist Chester Weber, helped shape the detachment’s new direction after a critical symposium in December 2023. The Army also brought in experienced equestrian professionals like Abby Schul and Capt. Kate Dorminey to support the transformation.
“We’re preparing horses like professional athletes,” Eller explained. “Each one is assessed for temperament, size, and capability.”
Starting June 2025, the caisson service will return at a limited pace — no more than 10 funerals per week — for eligible service members, including Medal of Honor recipients and those killed in action.
“This is more than ceremony,” said Maj. Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp. “It’s a powerful symbol of sacrifice and remembrance.”
Looking ahead, the Army plans to expand to seven squads and up to 100 horses. Discussions are underway to introduce a dedicated Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) for horsemen, ensuring continuity and expertise remain within the unit.
Though the caissons may look the same, the underlying improvements are profound. “It’s like a classic car with a new engine,” said Maj. Wes Strickland. “The tradition remains, but the care, technology, and training have evolved.”
As Eller affirmed, “We’re doing this for the heroes we honor — and for the horses who serve them.”
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE