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-Short Attention Span Theater-

Free to a good home: Horses who have served their country

2016-02-25

[STRIPES] They have served in a role almost unique in the U.S. military, that of the caisson horse.

Caisson horses pull coffins to burials at Arlington, bringing former officers and service members killed in action in America's wars to their grave sites with haunting uniformity and precision.

The choreographed procession, led by a riderless horse, is one of the most solemn and stylized rituals in the nation.

Kennedy and Quincy performed it about eight times a day, every other week, in every sort of weather. But since they are now unsuitable - Quincy, an 11-year-old quarter horse, is having trouble with his feet because of navicular disease, and Kennedy, a 15-year-old Standardbred, acted out too many times - members of the public have the rare opportunity to adopt a caisson horse.

The horses will go free to two lucky new owners, but the vetting process is strict. Smith said that a herd manager from the Army will travel to prospective homes to make sure the horses find suitable places to spend the rest of their days.

Applicants can visit the horses on Tuesdays at Fort Myer, the Army installation adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery. The six-page application, available online, 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? If you had to move, what would you do with this animal?"

Posted by:Fred

#2 That was lovely, Slusort Unoluth4317. Thank you.

Posted by: trailing wife 2016-02-25 19:29

#1 Feed me, water and care for me,
and when the day's work is done,
provide me with a shelter,
a pasture large enough for me
to run, romp and play.
Talk to me, your voice often means
as much to me as the reins.
Pet me sometime that I may serve you
more gladly and learn to love you.
Never strike, beat, or kick me when I don't understand what you want,
but give me a chance to understand you.

And finally oh master,
when my youthful strength is gone,
do not turn me out to starve or freeze,
or sell me to some cruel owner
to be slowly tortured or stoned to death,
but do thou, my master,
take my life in the kindest way, and
your God will reward you here and hereafter.
You will not consider me irreverent
if I ask this in the name of Him who was born in a stable...

Amen...

Posted by: Slusort Unoluth4317 2016-02-25 00:23

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