A riderless horse, adorned with reversed boots in the stirrups but no rider, accompanied the casket of former President Jimmy Carter as it made its way toward the US Capitol on Tuesday. This symbolic gesture holds a deep historical significance, dating back to ancient customs of honoring fallen warriors.
According to the White House Historical Association, the tradition of the riderless horse, also known as a caparisoned horse, is rooted in the belief that the spirit of the horse would join its rider in the afterlife. This practice was observed by various cultures, including the Mongols and Tatars, who held similar beliefs about the bond between a warrior and their horse.
While the ritual no longer involves sacrificing horses, the presence of the riderless horse at a funeral procession signifies that the deceased individual was mounted in life and will continue to be mounted in the afterlife. The Joint Task Force explained that the reversed boots and empty saddle symbolize that the warrior will never ride again.
It is a tradition reserved not only for presidents but also for individuals who attained the rank of colonel or higher in the Army or Marine Corps. The riderless horse is a poignant symbol of honor and respect, paying tribute to the military service and leadership of the deceased.
