Horses

The “Blackjack” sculpture at the National Service Animals Memorial will represent and honors ALL horses, the millions who have served and died in our country’s history, as well as all those in the military who have served and sacrificed with them.

Horses also have a unique and special role in the military serving as caparisoned horses, the riderless horses in high ranking military funerals who each symbolize a warrior who would ride no more. Alexander Hamilton was the first American to be given this honor and Abraham Lincoln was the first President to be officially honored by the inclusion of the riderless horse in his funeral cortege.

Blackjack the Horse was a caparisoned horse in more than 1,000 Armed Forces Full Honor Funerals, mostly at Arlington National Cemetery. A Morgan/American Quarter Horse cross, Blackjack is one of only two horses in U.S. history to receive full military honors in recognition of his service.

He was the funeral horse for three Presidents, including John F. Kennedy. At Kennedy’s funeral, riderless Blackjack followed the caissons; six horses pulling the cart that carried the casket of the fallen soldier, in this case, the Commander in Chief.

Blackjack, with famous white star on forehead

The indomitable spirit of Blackjack, proudly on display, honors the millions of horses who have served and died serving throughout our country’s history, as well as all those in the military who have served and sacrificed with them. Blackjack was the riderless caparisoned horse for fallen soldiers and Presidents alike.