Cody's Retirement

The horse of a different color finally retired from the Army today. Cody is a blue roan who changes colors throughout the year. In the winter time he has a dark brown, almost black coat which turns white in the summer. His face and legs would remain black even when the rest of his body was white. At public events the kids would refer to him as the "black and white" horse.

Cody is only 17 years old, which is a little bit younger than we usually retire them. However, he had problems with his front legs which caused him to take short, choppy little steps. He was very slow and it was hard to get him into a canter. Riding school students loved him because he was so easy to ride, even when bareback.

Last year I restricted him from doing charges or the riding demonstration because he was having a harder and harder time with his legs. He would do what we asked of him but it was becoming a little cruel. I feared we would permanently lame him so when a good home became available for him, I decided to end his service to the Army. He will live at a local property with another horse (a mare) where he can enjoy his final days doing what he likes most--standing around and eating.

We held his retirement ceremony in front of our main pasture gate, as is our tradition. We removed his Army tack for the last time, said a few words about his service to the Army, and turned him loose into the pasture so people could give him a last pat and treat.

He served with us for 12 years. When the word went out that he was retiring, I received messages and phone calls from around the country and overseas wishing him well. Several of his former riders came to the ceremony to say goodbye. He is going to a good home, though, and I will be able to go visit him periodically. I will miss Cody.