first published in the January 2024 Equiery
The famed and beloved U.S. Army horse Klinger has officially retired from service as a caisson horse and is now living in North Carolina with fellow U.S. Army horse Dozer. Many will know of Klinger from his frequent appearances at the Washington International Horse Show as a representative of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment Old Guard Caisson Platoon and T.A.P.S ambassador. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors program works with the survivors of soldiers killed in action. The annual WIHS Klinger Service Award is named in honor of the 17H black Percheron gelding.
Klinger served at Arlington Cemetery in VA for 20 years and has had books written about him and even modeled for a stuffed toy. Proceeds from book and toy sales benefit T.A.P.S.
Klinger was adopted by the Turner family who first met him during his retirement ceremony at Arlington. The Turner family had started the adoption process in 2020 when they purchased a farm in North Carolina specifically as a retirement home for various service animals. “We just wanted to give these horses that gave so much of themselves for how many years they’ve been with the Army a place where they aren’t asked to do anything but be pets,” Olivia Turner told WRAL News.
