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Ceremonial horses drawing a caisson are a stirring and somber sight at funerals in Arlington National Cemetery (ANC). The horses are cared for by the U.S. 3rd Infantry's Army Old Guard Caisson Platoon, based at Fort Myer in Arlington, Va.
Tour the stables and visit the men and the horses that provide this honor for our deceased heroes. At the stables you will be introduced to several members of the Caisson Platoon and their horses and be shown procedures for the care and preparation of the horses. The tour includes a visit to the newly opened state-of-the-art stables as well as the older stables. Learn about the history and current duties of the Platoon and their horses.
The Old Guard Caisson Platoon is part of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment. It participates in funerals with full military honors at the Fort Myer (old) Post Chapel and Memorial Chapel for all of the military services. In addition, caissons are used for carrying the casket or ashes after transfer at Arlington National Cemetery to the burial site or Columbarium for interment with full military honors. The platoon also provides the caisson used to transport the casket or ashes for state funerals where burial is to be in ANC or in a ceremonial march to the Capitol, for example.
The Platoon also participates in ceremonial performances, such as “Spirit of America” and “Twilight Tattoo.”
The days begin early for the riders and horses. As early as 4 a.m., riders and grooms tend to the horses and prepare those for the day’s ceremonial duty. After the ceremonial squads depart, other platoon soldiers clean the stables.
Special Location Information & Instructions:
The Platoon’s stables are along Forrest Circle, north of Conmy Hall.
The main entrance to Fort Myer is through the Hatfield Gate at the east end of 2nd St South at the overpass of Washington Boulevard. You can also enter through the Wright Gate at the intersection of Fort Myer Drive & Meade Street. Once inside the Wright Gate, the road is named Jackson Drive.
A photo ID is required for all adults, and vehicles are subject to search upon entry to Fort Myer. Check in with the RAP monitor in the small parking lot adjacent to the stables. Please note that pedestrians can enter at the Henry Gate off of Arlington Boulevard at North Pershing Drive, but no vehicles are allowed.
For more detailed directions and a map, visit http://www.fmmc.army.mil/sites/about/directions.asp or http://www.fmmc.army.mil/inc/myermapFEB09.pdf
Parking near the stables is minimal. Security personnel at the gates can direct you to the parking by the parade grounds, about 100 yards from the stables.
This tour is fully accessible, but we do request advanced notice of any special accommodations.
METRO: Rosslyn Station on the Blue and Orange lines is about a two-mile walk uphill to the stables, but Metro buses do stop by the Henry Gate on Arlington Boulevard [Route 50]. It is a 1/4-mile walk from this gate to the stables.
