The Army is ending five equine programs to save a couple million dollars a year. It might also be a wise move for animal welfare reasons.

In a cost-saving move, the US Army is disbanding most ceremonial cavalry units, retiring 141 horses while retaining caisson units for funerals. Critics note recent parades cost far more than the savings.

The Army is putting to pasture five ceremonial horse units that bring the service’s cavalry history of the Old West to life for communities across the country.