WASHINGTON (NEWSnet/AP) — The return of horse-drawn caissons at Arlington National Cemetery is being delayed, for at least a few months.

Nearly a year after U.S. Army suspended use of gray and black horses for funerals, officials said they are making progress to purchase new horses, obtain better equipment and improve training, facilities and turnout areas.

Maj. Gen. Trevor Bredenkamp, commander of the Military District of Washington, said it has been far more time-consuming than expected to get the program rolling again.

“We have every intention to resume operations. I can’t give you a week or month or estimate, but it’s requirements-based,” Bredenkamp said.

The horses are part of the caisson platoon of 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as The Old Guard, best known for guarding The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Two of Old Guard platoon horses, Mickey and Tony, had to be euthanized in February 2022. Each died from colon impaction. The Army found the horses had little grass in their turnout fields and they consumed sand and gravel from the ground while eatinglow-quality hay.

For the past year, the Army has used a funeral home hearse or other vehicles to pull the caisson. In funerals for officers who were ranked colonel or above, there is a riderless horse that walks behind the caisson.

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