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Fort Hood, Texas (KWTX) Fort Hood's 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment (HCD) is mourning the loss of two of its four-legged legends.
On Tuesday it was announced on social media that within two days horse Thunder, who served the HCD for more than 27 years, and dog SSG Buddy, who served for 14 years, had both passed away.
"Thunder and SSG Buddy were the true essence of the Cavalry," the HCD's Facebook post read. "On the trail they moved at a steady pace, but when it was time to Ride the Ride, and weapons were drawn, both were a force to be reckoned with."
Thunder, who started serving in 1991 and carried Troopers during parades, charges and demonstrations, died on Sunday due to Cushing's disease and old age.
"As the story goes, when he first came to the Detachment he could on command rear up and clash his front hooves together, creating a Thunderous sound," the post read. "His smooth gait was well known throughout the equine and military communities as he participated in many competitions. He was among the first mounts used in the Army's Hippotherapy research program that was conducted at the HCD and Ft. Sam Houston in 2004 for wounded veterans."
SSG Buddy, a mascot for the HCD wagon team since 2003 who was said to be 'adored by millions,' passed away Monday night.
"SSG Buddy was known in his younger years to leap off of the wagon, ride on the back of galloping mules while barking at them and then jump back into the wagon," the post read. "SSG Buddy would always bark and round up the Troopers whenever the word 'Formation' was called. On most days you could usually find him asleep in the barn or begging for Troopers lunch around the HCD, but he always greeted guests as they approached the detachment. His loss has and will touch a great number of people and his absence will be hard to fill."
The dog came to serve after he was picked up by an army sergeant who found him badly hurt on the side of the highway, shot by pellets and run over.
"Thunder and Buddy, you will be missed severely," the post read. "A day will not go by that we will not look to your guide-on's on the wall and think of all the amazing rides."
Fort Hood: 1st Cav mourns beloved dog and horse who spent lives showcasing Army history
On Tuesday it was announced on social media that within two days horse Thunder, who served the HCD for more than 27 years, and dog SSG Buddy, who served for 14 years, had both passed away.
"Thunder and SSG Buddy were the true essence of the Cavalry," the HCD's Facebook post read. "On the trail they moved at a steady pace, but when it was time to Ride the Ride, and weapons were drawn, both were a force to be reckoned with."
Thunder, who started serving in 1991 and carried Troopers during parades, charges and demonstrations, died on Sunday due to Cushing's disease and old age.
"As the story goes, when he first came to the Detachment he could on command rear up and clash his front hooves together, creating a Thunderous sound," the post read. "His smooth gait was well known throughout the equine and military communities as he participated in many competitions. He was among the first mounts used in the Army's Hippotherapy research program that was conducted at the HCD and Ft. Sam Houston in 2004 for wounded veterans."
SSG Buddy, a mascot for the HCD wagon team since 2003 who was said to be 'adored by millions,' passed away Monday night.
"SSG Buddy was known in his younger years to leap off of the wagon, ride on the back of galloping mules while barking at them and then jump back into the wagon," the post read. "SSG Buddy would always bark and round up the Troopers whenever the word 'Formation' was called. On most days you could usually find him asleep in the barn or begging for Troopers lunch around the HCD, but he always greeted guests as they approached the detachment. His loss has and will touch a great number of people and his absence will be hard to fill."
The dog came to serve after he was picked up by an army sergeant who found him badly hurt on the side of the highway, shot by pellets and run over.
"Thunder and Buddy, you will be missed severely," the post read. "A day will not go by that we will not look to your guide-on's on the wall and think of all the amazing rides."
Fort Hood: 1st Cav mourns beloved dog and horse who spent lives showcasing Army history
