The 151st Kentucky Derby is rapidly approaching, with the Fort Riley Mounted Color Guard making its first appearance May 3rd.
According to a Fort Riley release Soldiers and military working equines of Fort Riley’s 1st Infantry Divisision will have the distinct honor of presenting the nation’s colors at both the 151st Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. The former race is run on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby. The Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard has been training rigorously to prepare for these events.
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 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. 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.