Army horses, watchdog travel to DC to participate in military parade

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (7News) — Calm, still, and quiet-minded are some of the necessary qualifications to become the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division, Horse Cavalry Detachment.

Twelve horses and two mules have traveled from Fort Cavazos, Texas, ahead of the big day. The three-day trip included two stops before arriving at Frying Pan Farm Park in Fairfax County, Va.

The two mules, Trudy and Traveler, will be carrying a wagon as the US Military kicks off the big day, which coincides with President Donald Trump's birthday.

SEE IT: Meet the horses in the Army's 250th military parade

Additional military tanks and war aircraft have also been trained and flown in for the event.

The 1st Cavalry Division was activated in 1921 at Fort Bliss, Texas, as a horse-mounted division, according to the U.S. Military.

"The horse cavalry detachment has been a unit in existence since 1970, and we travel all over the country, representing the United States Army and First Cavalry Division in parades, performing a cavalry demonstration and other events," Capt. Daysha Wells told 7News.

SEE ALSO | Military aircraft involved in the Army's 250th birthday displayed before weekend flyover

Some of the horses are distinctly branded with a number and Texas star symbol, which are purchased from the Texas Correctional Facility system; however, Capt. Wells said the animals are under anesthesia during the procedure.

"Most of the horses, when we purchase them, they are already ready to be ridden, and we just have to train them and adapt them to what we do as the horse cavalry," Capt. Wells said.

It takes focus and instinct in order to become a 1st Cavalry Division.

SEE MORE | GUIDE: Everything you need to know ahead of the Army's 250th anniversary parade

"The horses we select are typically good, quiet minded and very adaptable to different situations. And they need to be ready to walk a parade route, for example, or do the cavalry demonstration that we do with them," Capt. Wells added.

The herd is receiving plenty of water electrolytes, and extra hay and grains ahead of the big day.

Alongside the herd of horses is their fiery two-year-old Blue Heeler mascot named Doc Holliday.

"His main job is to provide security for the barn and work with the mules," said Noel Mendez, a Specialist with the Horse Cavalry attachment.

"A blue heeler has a lot of instinct for him. When we first got him, he tried to herd the actual unit," Mendez added. "He's a quick learner, but he's almost too smart, because he knows he's doing the wrong thing; as far as tomorrow, we'll be participating. He's gonna be on the wagon with the horse attachment."

"This is what these horses do; this is nothing new to them. We do the California Tournament of Roses Parade every year, and the horses enjoy this," Capt. Wells added.