It’s the end of an era at Fort Huachuca, Ariz.

The 4th U.S. Cavalry Troop B at Fort Huachuca is deactivating, and its horses will be retired during a ceremony on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026.

Zern and Debbi Richardson of Phoenix, Ariz., made their final stop Tuesday, Feb. 25.

“Our last time servicing these incredible horses,” Debbie writes in a Facebook post. “Cavalry Troop B at Fort Huachuca on Friday will have their deactivation and horse retirement ceremony.”

The U.S. Army is ending its Military Working Equid (MWE) Program at two other installations in a cost-cutting move. The programs will cease at Fort Irwin, Calif., and Fort Sill, Okla., according to the Army. Fort Carson, Colo., is also among the programs closing, according to the Army Times.

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Zern Richardson hot fits a shoe on a horse with the 4th U.S. Cavalry Troop B at Fort Huachuca, Ariz. The troop and horses will be deactivated and retired Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Image: Debbi Richardson

The MWE programs at Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Riley, Kan., were initially included in the cost-cutting moves; however, they were removed from the chopping block in mid-January.

“After careful consideration, the Army has determined that retaining these programs is in the best interests of the force,” says Col. James Fuhriman, assistant deputy for Army health affairs.

The MWE programs at Fort Hood and Fort Riley will cost an estimated $1.2 million a year, says Tony McCormick, an Army spokesman. The horses, mules at donkeys at the remaining three will be put up for adoption and transferred by July 2026.

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Debbi Richardson stands with Ben, an 18-year-old Quarter Horse that has been enlisted since 2018. The horses will be adopted to vetted owners. Image: Debbi Richardson

“I’ll be watching for this guy’s adoption post to go public,” Debbie says of Ben, an 18-year-old Quarter Horse that has been in service since 2018. “He is awesome. Such a sweet gentleman.”

The Army will cease “ownership, operation and material support.” In addition to the programs at Fort Hood and Fort Riley, they will also continue with The Old Guard caisson units at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., and Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.

Those who wish to adopt the horses will be vetted according to federal law. None will be sold, says Steve Warren, an Army spokesman.

“[The horses] are part of the Army family,” he says. “We’re going to treat them with compassion.”

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Ending the Army’s Equid Program is a “Tragedy”: The U.S. Army is ending its Military Working Equid (MWE) Program at five installations in a cost-cutting move.