Master Sargent "Midnight"
Retired: Military Department of Indiana Ceremonial Unit
Breed: Percheron
Gender: Gelding
Color: Black
Birth Date: September 9, 1995
(Retirement date, estimated year)
Height: 17.5h
Midnight came to Courage Rock in 2019 to retire from the Military Department Ceremonial Unit. The Military Department of Indiana Ceremonial Unit was created 7 April, 1974 by COL Wyatt Cole to provide Military Funerals for Indiana Guardsmen.. Midnight had served his unit for 18 years.
Midnight has participated in 100s of missions. Midnight’s final mission on August 25, 2019 carried the Nation’s colors as part of the color guard for the American Legion’s parade, celebrating their 100th year. He has pulled the caisson at many funerals, those of Governors, Generals and many more. He has also served as both the outrider and within the four-horse formation, carrying the flags.
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Since coming to the Rock, Midnight is a gentlemen under saddle but can be a handful on the trails. He is used for the day camp during the summer and has particpated in the Monticello Christmas parade since 2019.
Characteristics & Facts:
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There is an apple tree on the path to Midnight’s pasture that he must stop for a nibble. You can pull all you want until he is ready after about 6 or 8 small fallen apples.
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At feeding time, he is the quietest horse however, he shakes his bucket with his lips to remind you his is still empty if he is not first.
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The “Outrider” in the Caisson Unit is the lead horse for either the caisson or mounted color guard.
Midnight is used for all veteran programs and still carries the Nation's colors during the Christmas parades.
Our Mission is to engage and develop the relationship between humans and the therapeutic energy of a horse to strengthen the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of ones life.