News for Veterans

NEWS 4 VETERANS

USMC MOUNTED COLOR GUARD

IRECENTLY HAD THE DISTINCT HONOR OF VISITING THE MOUNTED COLOR GUARD of the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow. I would like to thank Laurie Pearson, Communications Strategy & Operations Planner, for making my visit possible, and Sgt. Christian Drumheller for taking time to meet with me, answer my questions, and guide me on a most interesting tour of the facilities. As it is the last remaining USMC mounted color guard, we are quite privileged to have them headquartered locally.

The Mounted Color Guard was formed in 1967 by Lt. Col. Robert Lindsay. In 2010, the stable facilities were named in his honor. To honor the long tradition of horse mounted troops, the Mounted Color Guard performs using McClellan saddles. These saddles were adopted in 1859 as the official cavalry saddle, and were used by all horse mounted troops through WWII. The only horse mounted Marines, the China Marines, that served in China in the early 1900’s also used McClellans until they were disbanded in 1938. The McClellan saddle may be traditional and durable, but looks anything but comfortable.

There are currently seven marines assigned. They are tasked with all manner of care, feeding, and training of the thirteen horses. Although some may have prior horsemanship experience, it is not a requirement. The color guard members apply, are screened and selected based on their military record, demeanor, ability to work as a team, etc. As they are the face of the USMC at parades and other public events, it is a real honor to be selected. The Marines typically serve there for two to three years.

Most of the horses are obtained through the Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Adoption program. Almost all are palominos. Some of these horses are gentled first by prisoners in the Carson City Prison system, near the Nevada range that the mustangs called home. Others came directly from the BLM. Either way, the slow, gentle, training required to make the horses “parade ready” takes from one to two years. It requires a lot of arena work, as well as riding outside the base to accustom the horses to trains, cars, and other loud noises.

By John Wease

The Mounted Color Guard maintains a very busy schedule. They perform at thirty to forty events each year, which keeps the teams on the road thirty to forty weeks out of the year. Horses and riders travel in trucks and trailers all over the country to parades, rodeos, and memorial events. They will once again soon lead the Tournament of Roses Parade. Their thirty-fifth year of leading the parade, they are the only entrants to carry the American flag. Generally, the base commander and base sergeant major lead the team at that event.

Their facilities are quite impressive. In what was the original stable is now their very large tack room. Their performance McClellan saddles on one wall, working western saddles and bridles on the other. One original McClellan from the 1800’s is on display. In the loft area over their office, several rooms are filled with awards and trophies, won in competitions in the past, when competing was allowed by the Department of Defense. Many of the horses perform for many years. Several plaques, with horse shoes and the horse’s name commemorate horses retired due to age or health. A memorial ceremony is held in their honor at their retirement as well. The horses are obviously held in high regard.

Although the original horses were stabled in this barn, the formerly wild mustangs seem quite content in their outdoor paddocks, with sun and wind shelter. They have a large pasture for spring and summer grazing, as well as a turn out pen to have a space to run and kick up their heels. The horses are obviously well cared for. Most came to greet us as we walked past. All of the horses are named after battles, although all seem to have unofficial, every day, names as well. Names like “Reno” and “Trigger” are a little easier for daily use than “Iwo Jima.”

So, when you watch the Tournament of Roses Parade, pay attention to the Marines carrying The Colors, as usual, in the forefront. Sit up a little straighter, and remember the amount of hard work, and dedication it takes to bring us the pageantry of these formerly wild horses ridden by fine examples of the Few, the Proud, the Marines.