Fort Riley Release

The Soldiers and military working equines of Fort Riley’s 1st Infantry Division, known as the Big
Red One, will have the distinct honor of presenting the nation’s colors at the 151st Kentucky Oaks
and Kentucky Derby. Representing the strength and tradition of the U.S. Army, the Commanding
General’s Mounted Color Guard has been training rigorously to prepare for this prestigious event.

The unit’s horses are conditioned to remain calm in high-energy environments through a unique
training regimen. Their fellow warriors at Fort Riley play a vital role in this process, conducting
desensitization drills that include physical training sessions on Custer Hill, where units work
together to acclimate the horses to loud crowds and movement. Additionally, the unit collaborates
with Big Red One aviation units, coordinating flyovers to ensure the horses remain steady under
the roar of passing aircraft.

Each horse in the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard represents a specific unit within
the Big Red One. These horses proudly bear the colors of their adopted units, carrying their legacy
and spirit wherever they go across the continental United States. Whether presenting the nation’s
colors at high-profile events like the Kentucky Derby or honoring military traditions at ceremonies
and reenactments, these horses serve as living symbols of the division’s history, pride, and
unwavering commitment to duty.

The Kentucky Oaks and Derby are among the most celebrated equestrian events in the world,
making this a fitting stage for the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard to showcase their
discipline, precision, and deep connection to the legacy of the 1st Infantry Division.