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Adopt a Caisson Horse

The Caisson Horses of Fort Sam Houston participate in Full Honor Funerals with escort in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. These magnificent animals serve with the Soldiers of the Caisson Section daily to ensure final honors are given in a dignified, professional, and respectful manner; and they love their job. Because of the long and distinguished service of every horse in our stables, The Army takes great care to ensure each horse is rewarded with a great home for its well-earned retirement.

The primary goal of the Caisson Horse Adoption Program is to select a home for a retiring Caisson Horse. The program publishes horses ready for retirement to a website, identifies potential adopters, and selects the best candidate from a pool of applicants seeking to adopt a retired Caisson horse. The specifics of the Caisson Horse Adoption Program are governed by Command Policy Letter “Adoption of Caisson Horses.”

Adoption Process:

1. Download and Complete the Adoption Application

 

2. Send adoption request to the Caisson Mailbox: usarmy.jbsa.medical-coe.list.caisson@army.mil 

 

3. Horse adoption details published to this website. People interested in adopting a Caisson horse will have 30 days to apply from the first day information about a retiring horse is published, using the adoption application packet (linked above/found here).

 

4. After 30 days, a board will convene to match each horse to an applicant. The Board consists of veterinary officers, the Chain of Command, and Soldier teammates of the retiring horse. All applications are reviewed by the board, with the intent to identify the best possible home for our retiring horses. When able, a representative of the Caisson Section or Command Team may visit prospective adopters to assess the proposed living spaces for our horses. A strong adoption packet contains a wealth of information on the living conditions and care that will be provided by the prospective adopters and includes references from a veterinarian and farrier who will care for the animal on the adopter’s behalf. Applicants are ordered by merit by vote of the board members.

 

5. Every applicant, regardless of selection, is notified of the board’s decision and arrangements are made to transfer the horse to its new home. Applicants who wish to appeal the board’s decision may do so through the process outlined in the policy letter. If the selected applicant is unable to receive the horse, the next applicant by merit is notified and arrangements are made to transfer the horse to its new home. If there are no acceptable applications, the horse remains in the care of the Caisson Section and may be transferred to another government agency or placed back in the adoption process at a later date.

Ready for Adoption:

Name: Van Autreve IV

DOB: 1/1/2014

Breed: Percheron

Height: 17 hh

Temperament: Gentle, willing, people-oriented

Van Autreve (affectionately known as "Van") is a distinguished, retiring Caisson horse from the Fort Sam Houston Caisson Section, where he served with quiet dignity and unwavering devotion. Standing at a magnificent 17 hands, this handsome Percheron draft horse represents the very best of military service.

Horses selected for Caisson duty undergo extensive training, and Van has spent his career working in a highly disciplined, ceremonial environment. This demanding role requires exceptional manners, patience, and emotional composure. During his time in service, Van participated in the San Antonio Fiesta parades, and in the solemn military honors funerals within Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery moving with grace and calm through crowds, vehicles, and unfamiliar settings to ensure our nation's fallen were honored with the utmost respect.

 Personality & Temperament

  • A Gentle Giant: Despite his impressive size, Van is incredibly sweet and possesses a calm, loving disposition.
  • Wonderful with Families: He is exceptionally great around kids, making him a highly approachable and beloved presence in any stable environment.
  • Impeccable Ground Manners: His years of military training mean he is highly disciplined, patient, and respectful of handlers.

Health & Retirement Needs

Van is being medically retired from the Army due to ringbone, a condition that requires him to step down from active duty.

  • Ideal Placement: Van is seeking a quiet, loving home where he can enjoy a well-deserved, slower pace of life.
  • Care Requirements: Because of his ringbone, Van will need an adopter who is committed to managing his comfort. He is best suited as a cherished pasture friend or companion horse where he can relax and enjoy his golden years.
  • The Perfect Match: He will thrive with someone who appreciates his history, values his steady and gentle presence, and can provide the veterinary care and environment needed to keep him comfortable.

Bringing Van into your life means welcoming a true piece of military history, and a loyal friend who brings a sense of peace, purpose, and grace to everyone he meets.