The ''Riderless Horse''

By Crusader1307

The Ancient Military Tradition of The “Riderless” Horse was originated with 10th Century AD Mongols. In honor of a fallen Warrior or Khan – his most prized Horse was paraded for all his Tribe to see. The Horse was loaded with The Warrior's most prized “Battle Possessions”. This was his Bow and Arrows, Shield and Spear (He was buried with his Sword). After a suitable period of “viewing”, The Horse was killed and buried with his former Master. The Horse's “Spirit” would accompany The Warrior into The “Afterlife”. The more modern variation of The “Riderless” Horse was practiced in both The British and later American Armies of the 18th Century. Upon the death of a Field Grade Officer (Colonel or above), his personal Horse was placed in part of his Funeral Detail, normally at the Rear of The Formation. This Honor Detail paraded with a Cassion (or Wagon) which bore the physical remains of the Officer, followed by a Military Band and Detail of Soldiers from The Command of The Officer.

The Horse was arrayed in full Saddle and Sword of The Officer, with his Boots placed on either side of The Saddle – facing rearward (symbolic of never riding or commanding from The Saddle again). The first use of The “Riderless Horse” Honor was given to Alexander Hamilton (1804). In today's Practice, The “The Riderless Horse” Honor is also extended to a deceased US American President. This variation of the Custom began with The Death of Abraham Lincoln. Whereas Military Service is required for rendering The Honor, The US President is seen as The “Commander and Chief” of The US Armed Forces – and is likewise afforded The Honor. It is not applied to The Vice-President unless he “becomes” President or he served in The Military. With the Formal Ceremony being assumed by various Military Funeral Units for a more standardized use, a full-time “Funerary Horse” (maintained Regionally) is used to represent The Honor. There has been many such “Famous” Horses used as such in The British and American Armies.