Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is observed annually on November 11th to honor military veterans.  Perhaps the most largely unrecognized, and sometimes altogether forgotten veterans are the horses that served alongside the soldiers.

Since the domestication of the horse, humans and horses have shared a partnership that has been integral to the thriving of civilizations.  Horses were essential in agriculture, transportation, and warfare, not to mention companionship in some of history’s darkest hours and in the face of humankind’s brutality.

Throughout the United States’s military history, the horse played an indispensable role. In wartime, the horse was used to transport cavalry troops, supplies, and artillery weapons as well as for charges, scouting, raiding, and communication.

While serving man and country, the horse faced many hardships including disease, starvation, exhaustion, and injuries.  Ultimately, many suffered and died in service.

Here then is a profile of one such noble…