What horse-related jobs are available in the military?

I'm fascinated by both horses and military service. Are there specific horse-related roles within the military, like training horses or performing ceremonial duties? I'd love to combine both interests into a career.

Although the role of horses in the military has significantly diminished since the rise of mechanized warfare, there are still a few niche areas where your interest in equines can intersect with military service. Below are a few possibilities:

1. Cavalry Units: While many of the traditional cavalry roles have transitioned to armored and mechanized units, some units, such as the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division, retain horse-mounted ceremonial units. These units often participate in parades, ceremonies, and other official functions. Soldiers in these units often care for the horses, train them, and perform riding duties.

2. Veterinary Services: If your interest lies in the medical care of horses, you might consider serving in the Army Veterinary Corps. This service branch provides medical and surgical care to all Army animals, including those in the ceremonial units. To serve in this role, you typically need to have a degree in veterinary medicine.

3. Military Police: Some military police units employ horses for crowd control and patrol duties, especially in urban areas. For instance, the U.S. Army Military Police Corps has utilized horses for crowd control in certain circumstances.

4. United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point: West Point maintains a stable of horses for its Cadet Equestrian Team and Equestrian Club. While not a full-time job, cadets involved in these groups gain hands-on equestrian experience, and those who continue into the USMA staff may have opportunities to work more directly with the program.

Remember, these roles are quite specialized and may not be widely available. It's also important to be open to the broader range of duties that military service entails beyond interacting with horses. However, these roles demonstrate that it is indeed possible to combine an interest in horses with a military career.