01/02/2026
It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Sergeant York, an American equine treasure. Sergeant York was a Standardbred racehorse who transitioned from the track to distinguished military service and served with honor in the United States Army Caisson Platoon as the Riderless Horse for a quarter century.
Born in Jamesport, New York, in 1991 under the name Allaboard Jules, Sergeant York began his racing career in New Jersey at the age of three. During his three-year career he competed in 23 races where he reached the winner’s circle five times, and earned just under $15,000 in purse money.
After retiring from racing in 1996, Allaboard Jules spent a year in semi-retirement before being accepted into the United States Army Caisson Platoon in 1997. Renamed Sergeant York in honor of World War I hero Alvin C. York, he went on to become the longest serving horse in the unit’s famed history. For 25 years he served as the Army’s primary Caparisoned or Riderless Horse, representing the nation’s fallen heroes during military funerals in Arlington National Cemetery and the Military District of Washington.
Sergeant York quietly took part in thousands of funerals during his career but rose to worldwide fame after serving as the Riderless Horse in the 2004 State Funeral of President Ronald Reagan. In the years that followed, he became a beloved figure and living symbol of military honor, drawing visitors from across the country and around the world that came to see him, pay their respects, and thank him for his service.
In 2022, Sergeant York officially retired from military service and moved to Equine Advocates Rescue and Sanctuary in Valatie, New York, where he lived under the expert care of founder Susan Wagner and her dedicated staff. Even in retirement, he served as a pasture and stall buddy to some of the rescue animals in their care and continued to bring smiles to visitors during monthly open visitation days, as well as frequent military and veteran events. While Sergeant York maintained the same upbeat and playful personality he had shown throughout his life, age eventually catches up to us all. Sergeant York passed away peacefully on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026.
Sergeant York was known for his kind, gentle, and playful nature. It took only a few moments of interaction to recognize that he was a truly special horse. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, from his former owners, trainers, and caretakers to the Soldiers of the Caisson Platoon who served alongside him for a quarter of a century, as well as the compassionate staff of Equine Advocates who lovingly cared for him in retirement. His legacy lives on through the families of the service members he escorted on their final walks and through the thousands of admirers across the nation and around the world who visited him, supported him, and carried him in their hearts.
Rest easy old friend…‘Til we form again…
Sergeant York
April 25 1991 – January 1 2026
*Please feel free to post any personal photos, stories or anecdotes that you may have with Sergeant York or Allaboard Jules.
3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) US Army Military District of Washington United States Trotting Association Equus Magazine Army Times Stars and Stripes U.S. Army Caisson Detachment, 3d Infantry Regiment U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Arlington National Cemetery U.S. Department of War Secretary of the Army
