Military animals risk their lives to serve their country just like any soldier, so when they retire, they too deserve to be looked after and cared for instead of becoming homeless and neglected.
Caisson horses Quincy and Kennedy are highly trained horses who served in the Army’s Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. For eight hours each day, every other week, these two helped bring home America’s fallen soldiers by pulling their coffins during their at Arlington. However, now Quincy and Kennedy are retired and are looking for suitable homes.
“These guys did their service,” Staff Sgt. David Smith said. “It’s their time to be a horse.”
Quincy, the 11-year-old horse, retired because he could no longer work such gruelling hours after suffering from navicular disease, which causes issues in the front feet. Kennedy, the 15-year-old horse, had an impressive career but was retired after acting out one too many times.
Bonnie Jo Mount/Washington Post
Two lucky people will have the chance to own these incredibly special horses, but the process is strict, and requires prospective owners to pass a six-page application, as well as a home inspection from an Army herd manager.
Bonnie Jo Mount/Washington Post
“I think one of the reasons to own a horse like Quincy or Kennedy is to have a piece in this mission,” Pfc. Kris Loudner, one of the caisson riders, said. “In a way, you’re tending to a horse that has honored America’s service members.”
Can you believe these increible horses can’t find a home in the country they served tirelessly? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this on Facebook so Kennedy and Quincy can find a loving home.
[Featured image credit: Bonnie Jo Mount/Washington Post]
They Served Their Country Well: Now These Horses Need A Home is an article from: LifeDaily