Several of our 8 Friesian horses, sold to the U.S. Government and Military in 2023 for ceremonial duties at Arlington National Cemetery, played a central role in today’s historic event in Washington, D.C. These magnificent horses were entrusted with the honor of pulling the casket of former President Jimmy Carter down Pennsylvania Avenue, a solemn and prestigious occasion witnessed by millions.The Friesian breed, known for its strength, elegance, and calm demeanor, has long been celebrated as an ambassador of dignity and grace in ceremonial roles. Seeing these majestic horses in action during such a poignant moment is a testament to their exceptional qualities and their importance in honoring the nation's most revered traditions.

The procession began at the U.S. Navy Memorial, where Carter's casket was transferred from a hearse to the caisson. The route proceeded along Pennsylvania Avenue, turning onto Constitution Avenue, and concluded at the U.S. Capitol. Upon arrival, a ceremony was held in the Capitol Rotunda, after which President Carter lay in state, allowing the public to pay their respects.

This event was part of a series of ceremonies honoring the 39th President of the United States, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. The state funeral spanned several days, culminating in a national funeral service attended by 5 U.S. Presidents at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

In 2023, the US military reached out to us, looking for a needle in a hay stack... A horse with OUTSTANDING vetchecks, xays and conformation so as to deter health ailments down the line. One that arrived trained in four specialties — riding, driving (--specifically pulling a heavy wagon and trained to drive in a 4-in-hand), being ridden WHILE being driven, and probably most important--able to be SAFELY ridden by a beginner/novice soldier with only 12 weeks riding experience. AND the horse must be an ALL black gelding under the age of 6, and finally, it must be able to tolerate the stimuli of a Presidential funeral through the streets of busy Capitol Hill when necessary. After rigorous riding, driving, temperament, and veterinary testing was performed, the Army purchased 8 KFPS registered friesian horses from https://www.blacksterlingfriesians.com/, and several garnered national attention this week as part of the horse drawn caisson platoon. To say we are proud would be an understatement....

For a visual overview of the procession, you may find the following video informative: https://youtu.be/1kUWCWvUEu8