Photo By Staff Sgt. Oscar Toscano | Horses assigned to Caisson Detachment, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard),...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. – The Caisson Detachment of the U.S. Army’s 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) is among the most prestigious teams in U.S. military history. Serving as the mounted escort to our nation’s fallen, the Caisson is authorized for Military funeral honors as an escort for all state funerals, Medal of Honor recipients, those who were prisoners of war (POWs) or who were killed in action (KIA), officers holding the rank of colonel or above, and service members who attained the most senior enlisted and warrant officer ranks of E-9 and CW-5.
The duty of escorting our fallen was taken on by the Caisson Detachment in 1948 when the Old Guard was reactivated on Fort Myer, Virginia. The 3rd Cavalry Regiment formerly held this responsibility. The practice of using a caisson, or artillery wagon, to escort the deceased is linked to its historical function of delivering supplies to the front lines and returning with the dead and wounded.
Over the past year, the Caisson Detachment has made changes in its equipment. The wagon has undergone modifications to make it lighter, by roughly 1,400 pounds. The new wagon is nearly half the weight of its predecessor and was developed to reduce weight for the horses. Additionally, the newest version of the wagon includes an articulating limber, which provides better integration between the horses and the wagon itself.
Additionally, the saddles and tack are modernized as well. Each horse receives a custom saddle, made specifically to emulate the historic saddles used for the past 75 years. The horse’s tack was measured to ensure a proper fit with the addition of padding and redesigned breastplates to alleviate pressure points and transfer the weight away from the horse’s neck.
In preparation for future missions at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC), the Caisson team has undergone a complete transformation—redefining training, facilities, and organizational structure to uphold the highest standards of honor and tradition. Soldiers are selected through a rigorous assessment of physical and mental readiness before entering a 12-week Basic Horsemanship Course designed by experts in the competitive equestrian field. After initial training in Northern Virginia, the riders then travel to Ocala, Florida for six weeks of advanced instruction with internationally renowned experts before returning home to continue refining their skills.
The horses, stabled at the 40-acre NOVA Equestrian Center in Loudoun County, receive exceptional care and conditioning, ensuring peak performance for ceremonial duties. Ahead of missions, they travel to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall for final preparations. The Caisson Detachment maintains a support staff and command team reporting directly to the regimental commander, supplemented by civilian trainers and veterinary professionals, including David O’Connor and carriage expert Jim Westbrook, who play critical roles as Highly Qualified Experts to advise in areas like horse selection and training.
This renewal has set the stage for a proud return to ANC — and among the first to ride through those gates is Staff Sgt. Alexis U. Horta, 1st squad leader of the Caisson Detachment, whose dedication and resilience reflect the heart of Caisson’s mission and mark a historic moment for the team’s return.
“On a daily basis, aside from basic Army tasks, we prioritize our horses,” said Horta. “My team and I ensure we maintain a safe and habitable environment fit for the horses to feel comfortable. We coordinate training with other platoons on base to prepare ourselves and the horses for highly prestigious missions and honoring our nation’s fallen.”
Reflecting on his childhood, Horta used his experience from working on his family’s ranch as inspiration to join the Caisson Detachment.
“At about 10 years old, I began riding horses and working with some trainers in my hometown, eventually leading into team roping at rodeo events,” mentioned Horta. “Upon arrival to The Old Guard, I was assigned to the Presidential Salute Battery, and shortly after, I heard about the Caisson Detachment taking recruits and I took advantage of the opening and joined the team.”
Horta and his team have worked with these horses for many months. The team can monitor the horses and their environment closely, allowing them to notice mood changes based on body language and address health concerns. This allows Horta and the team to prioritize a safe and nurturing environment.
“Horses, like many other animals, require meticulous attention to detail. We must understand that these horses wake up one day with discomfort, or they might be having a bad morning, it could be something from not having the right temperature of water, which leads to a temper tantrum,” described Horta. “Horses aren’t able to speak for themselves, so it is up to my team and those who have worked closely with these horses to diagnose them based on differences in character and unusual movements.”
“They recognize us,” states Horta. “We are an important part of the horse’s everyday routine. We can walk into the barn in the middle of the night, and once they recognize your voice, all their heads peak out with excitement!”
Horta and the team were recently chosen to provide ceremonial services in honor of the former President of the United States and U.S. Navy veteran, James Earl Carter Jr, who passed away on Dec. 29, 2024.
“It was a prideful moment working the state funeral, it was an honor for my team and I to accompany President Carter one last time through Washington D.C.,” expressed Horta. “Above all, we are extremely proud of the horse's ability to maintain composure and feel comfortable amongst the large crowds.”
Beginning in June, the Caisson Detachment will resume limited funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery after nearly two years. Horta's team will be the first ones back and he knows they will be in the spotlight.
“Being the first team back to the cemetery is a significant occasion, but I am confident we will carry out the mission flawlessly,” asserted Horta. “The entire detachment and The Old Guard will be there to support us on our return, and ensure our horses live with the care and honor they deserve.”
| Date Taken: | 04.11.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.11.2025 13:50 |
| Story ID: | 495109 |
| Location: | ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, US |
| Hometown: | DALLAS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 176 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Caisson Returns: Old Guard Resumes Ceremonial Honors at Arlington, by SSG Oscar Toscano, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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