Mission
The Caisson Detachment of the U.S. Army’s 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) is one of the most iconic pieces of U.S. military history, serving as the mounted escort to our nation’s fallen.
The Caisson is authorized for Military funeral honors with escort for all Medal of Honor recipients, those who were prisoners of war (POWs) or who were killed in action (KIA), officers O-4 and above, and service members who attained the most senior enlisted and warrant officer ranks. The Caisson is also authorized for all state funerals.
The Caisson Story
The Caisson Detachment assumed the responsibility of escorting our fallen in 1948 when the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) was reactivated on Fort Myer, Virginia. The role previously belonged to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment. The tradition of escorting the fallen with a caisson, or artillery wagon, is tied to the traditional role of the wagon as it delivered its supplies to the front lines returning with the dead and wounded. Tracing the history of caisson support in Arlington National Cemetery is challenging, however there is silent footage and photographs from the post-World War I era illustrating the use of the caisson in funeral processions.
The original Caisson wagons were built in 1918 by the American Carriage and Foundry Company and used for transporting 75mm cannons. The wagons were initially equipped with ammunition chests, spare wheels and tools necessary to maintain the cannons, however those items are replaced with a flat deck for the casket to rest.
The wagon is hitched with three horse teams in a traditional configuration known as Postilion, where the near (left) horses are ridden. Historically, the off (right) horses were used as pack animals. A complete team consists of seven horses, three pairs and one additional ridden horse known as the section horse. The hitched horse pairs are referred to as the wheel, swing, and lead. The wheel team is closest to the wagon and the largest, most powerful of the three pair. They are responsible for much of the pulling and braking. The swing horses assist in cornering as they “swing” wide to make turning the wagon easier. The lead horses set the pace and maintain proper distance within the procession.
Moving Forward
Equipment
Over the past year, the Caisson Detachment has made significant changes in their equipment. The wagon itself has undergone major 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 strain on the animals. Additionally, the newest version of the wagon includes an articulating limber, which provides a better integration between the horses and the wagon itself.
Beyond the wagon, 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 painstakingly measured to ensure a proper fit with the addition of padding and redesigned breast plates to alleviate pressure points and transfer the weight away from the horse’s neck. The saddles and tack used in today’s ceremony are modernized for today’s animals while having the same appearance of the historical elements known by so many.
Training
The team has worked with some of the most renowned names in the equestrian community in preparation for the state funeral and their future support to ceremonies in Arlington National Cemetery. The soldiers are first selected after an initial assessment to determine proper fitness and mentality. They then proceed to the 12-week Basic Horsemanship Course, which was created under the supervision and direction of Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor. David was a member of the U.S. Equestrian Team for nearly two decades, competing in numerous Olympic Games and winning both individual and team medals. He is recognized as one of the best competitive equestrians in American history. He transitioned from competition to focus on other aspects of the sport and became a board member, and later president, of the U.S. Equine Federation. The riders are then paired with their horses for additional training here in Northern Virginia before heading to Ocala, Florida, for six weeks of immersion training. While in Ocala, the squad works with a team of hand-selected trainers from around the world who specialize in every aspect of the required skillsets necessary for Caisson’s unique mission. Additionally, the team receives continuous training here in Virginia with the trainers to maintain proficiency and build upon the foundation established in Florida.
Facilities
The Caisson horses are stabled at the NOVA Equestrian Center (NEC) in Loudoun County where they receive first-class care and conditioning. This 40-acre facility offers the space and modern equipment necessary to keep the Caisson horses healthy and fit. The horses will move to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in the days leading up to the state funeral for final preparations and will return to the NEC following the completion of procession. From there they will resume their training and conditioning regimen in preparation for their future return to Arlington National Cemetery.
Personnel
Some of the greatest changes made to Caisson were to the organization itself. The Caisson Platoon, as it was historically known, transitioned to a detachment which reports directly to the regimental commander with a full command team. There was also the addition of several civilian trainers and supporting veterinary staff. The Army hired David O’Connor and Jim Westbrook as highly qualified experts to advise the organization. Jim brings a lifetime of horsemanship and training, with expertise in carriage and wagons. Jim has an expert eye for assessing animals and plays a critical role in the procurement of new horses for the herd. Jim has been with the team since notification and will walk alongside the team during the procession.
Changes were also made to the horses. The Old Guard has retired over 40 horses this past year based on age and length of service. Many of the retired horses were adopted by a private citizen and now reside in Ocala, Florida, near the World Equestrian Center where they are looked after by a world-class team and receive some of the best care in the world.
Horses and Rider Bios
All Caisson Detachment the soldiers attended a rigorous 12-week basic horsemanship course in addition to the six-week immersion training in Ocala, Florida. Many of the riders graduated first in their class.
Riders
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Section:
Spc. Chase Redfern
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Redfern grew up farming in Iowa and joined the Army to try something new. He arrived at The Old Guard in Nov. 2021, serving on a firing party for two years before joining Caisson so he could work with horses and learn a new skillset. Redfern was chosen as the Section Rider for his poise and confidence in the saddle.
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Lead:
Spc. Damian Copeland
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Copeland is from California and joined the Army at age 35 looking to make a difference in the world. Copeland found a passion for horses after arriving at The Old Guard. Since joining Caisson, he was the honor graduate of his Basic Horsemanship Course and attended an introductory farrier clinic through Butler Professional Farriers.
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Swing:
Spc. Matthew Cashdollar
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Cashdollar is from Colorado and joined the Army in 2022 to continue a family tradition of military service. Cashdollar was also the honor graduate of his Basic Horsemanship Course and has recently re-enlisted to join the Funeral Honors Caisson Platoon at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to continue his military career working with military horses.
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Wheel:
Sgt. Shawn Tabor
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Tabor grew up in Loveland, Colorado, and joined the Army to do something greater than himself. He found a connection with Caisson because of the responsibility of honoring the fallen. Tabor is one of the most experienced riders in the detachment and works closely with the expert trainers. Tabor is in his eighth year with the Caisson Detachment and has completed 550 ceremonies on the Caisson wagon in Arlington National Cemetery.
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Caparisoned:
Spc. Sebastian Kuchler
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Kuchler is from Cape May County, New Jersey, and joined the Army in 2022. Upon learning of his assignment to The Old Guard, he immediately set his interest on the Caisson Detachment. Kuchler also graduated as the honor graduate of his Basic Horsemanship Course. He hopes to further his knowledge and horsemanship with additional training in farrier and leather work.
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Horses
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Section Horse:
Bullet
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Age: 5 years
Rider: Spc. Chase Redfern
Breed: Friesian
Time at Caisson: October 2023
Fun Fact: Bullet is always looking for a photo opportunity. He is our resident “pretty boy” and loves posing for the camera.
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Lead 1:
Rocket
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Age: 6 years
Rider: Spc. Copeland
Breed: Friesian from Independence, Iowa
Time at Caisson: December 2023
Fun Fact: Rocket is one of the most beloved horses in the stable, especially by his rider Spc. Copeland.
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Lead 2:
Burns
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Age: 10 years
Breed: Mustang from Nevada
Time at Caisson: May 2019
Fun Fact: Burns has been in the unit longer than most horses in the herd. His calm temperament and gentleness are his trademark. He is often the first to peek his head out in the stalls when he hears soldiers coming through.
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Swing 1:
Scout
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Age: 15.5 years
Rider: Spc. Cashdollar
Breed: Percheron from Tempe, Arizona
Time at Caisson: March 2024
Fun Fact: Scout and his partner Poncho both joined Caisson from the Wells Fargo wagon team. Despite their age, the two bring a calming to the team with their experience.
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Swing 2:
Poncho
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Age: 17 years
Breed: Percheron from Tempe, Arizona
Time at Caisson: March 2024
Fun Fact: Poncho joined Caisson with his “brother” Scout from the Wells Fargo wagon team. The two are inseparable and make a great team.
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Wheel 1:
Regal
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Age: 7.5 years
Rider: Sgt. Tabor
Breed: Percheron/Friesian Cross from Independence, Iowa
Time at Caisson: April 2024
Fun Fact: Regal’s name is fitting of his personality. He has a docile temperament. As the wheel horse, Regal is also one of our biggest weighing in at 1,511 pounds.
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Wheel 2:
Gunther
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Age: 7 years
Breed: Percheron from Tennessee
Time at Caisson: December 2022
Fun Fact: Gunther is known as the character of the herd. His large personality fits his size. He is slightly larger than his partner Regal, weighing in at 1,640 pounds and measuring 17.2 hands (5'10"). Gunther is one of the tallest and heaviest horses in the herd, but despite his size he is very gentile and loves people.
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Caparisoned:
Magic
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Age: 15 years
Breed: Quarter Horse
Walker: Spc. Kuchler
Time at Caisson: Dec. 2022
Fun Fact: Remington is known for being the fastest horse in the herd and has been a caparisoned horse since he arrived at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who gets a Caisson?
A horse-drawn caisson used to convey a casket is authorized for Military funeral honors with escort for military members who attained the grade of E-9, CW-4 and CW-5, and O-4 and above, or service members regardless of rank who receive the Medal of Honor, who were POWs or who were KIA. The Caisson is also authorized for all state funerals.
When will Caisson resume in Arlington National Cemetery?
Despite Caisson’s role in the state funeral, caisson support to funeral ceremonies will remain suspended. There are still additional conditions outstanding that prevent our resumption of funeral support. We are working diligently to procure and train both horses and soldiers to fully support the funeral service requirements within Arlington National Cemetery.
Does every president receive a Caisson procession?
Every president is offered a Caisson procession; however, it is each president’s decision on whether to include one in their final plans.
How many horses does the detachment have?
The current herd consists of 43 horses comprising three squads. The individual squads consist of 11 horses each: six horses for the wagon, one section horse, and one caparisoned horse. The remaining horses serve as alternates, providing redundancy in the case that a particular horse was unable to perform in a ceremony.
What are the training requirements?
Each squad receives extensive training, to include the 12-week basic horsemanship course for the soldiers and the six-week immersive training in Ocala, Florida. Additionally, the teams receive ongoing training from world-renowned equine professionals from around the world. Training includes everything from individual rider training to hitch and driving sessions.
