Meanwhile, army bases in California, Arizona, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas will sunset their MWE programs. European colonial settlers relied on horses for centuries, but official US cavalry forces are traceable all the way back to the Revolutionary War.

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.