One of the central figures involved in the funeral procession of President John Kennedy was a horse named Blackjack. The riderless horse has become a part of certain funerals in the United States. In 1963 this was the case for Kennedy, and the horse was named after the gambling game. Here we will focus on the horse and not casino blackjack.
Kennedy Slain in Dallas, Texas
The shooting of President Kennedy occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Kennedy was rushed to nearby Parkland Hospital where emergency personnel desperately attempted to save his life.
Despite their efforts, Kennedy expired after suffering a massive bullet wound to the head. The body of the President was then removed to Air Force One for transport back to Washington. On that same flight, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as the new President of the United States.
In Washington the plans were already being made for a state funeral. These types of events are elaborate affairs which often last several days. An important part of the funeral is the procession to the place where the ceremony will be held.
The Tradition of the Riderless Horse
In the United States the riderless horse is traditionally a part of military funerals for those individuals that have achieved the rank of colonel or higher. This includes the President of the United States who is the Commander in Chief of the armed forces.
The horse is typically outfitted in black and led by a walking handler. On the horse there is a saddle and other tack that would generally be used. Empty black riding boots are reversed in the stirrups of the horse. This is to symbolize the deceased looking back on those they have commanded or their fellow athletes one last time.
Some athletes are given a riderless horse in their funeral procession. This was the case following the death of horse racing jockey Lucy Burch.
Blackjack – The Riderless Horse for President John F. Kennedy
The horse chosen for the funeral procession of President Kennedy was a half-morgan named after General John “Black Jack” Pershing. Blackjack bore the brand of the United States Army on his left shoulder.
The horse was an impressive sight, standing near 17 hands and black in color. Blackjack also served in the funerals of other important figures such as Herbert Hoover, Lyndon Johnson, and Douglas MacArthur. The horse died in 1976. Blackjack was given a full military burial, just the second horse in the nation to receive this honor.
Black Jack’s Life After the Funeral
Following his role in President Kennedy’s funeral procession, Black Jack continued his service as the United States Army’s ceremonial riderless horse for many years. He participated in the funerals of numerous other dignitaries and military figures, including President Herbert Hoover in 1964 and General Douglas MacArthur the same year, cementing his status as one of the most significant ceremonial animals in American military history.
Black Jack retired from active service in 1973 after completing his last ceremonial appearance. In recognition of his unique service, he was given a permanent home at Fort Myer in Virginia, where he lived out his remaining years in comfort and received a level of care befitting his historic role. He died in February 1976 at the age of 29 — a remarkable lifespan for a horse, and one that allowed him to outlive many of the figures he had honoured in his ceremonial duties.
The Tradition of the Riderless Horse in Military Ceremony
The riderless horse in a military funeral procession is a tradition with roots stretching back centuries across many cultures. The symbolism is powerful and consistent: the empty saddle represents a fallen warrior who will ride no more, while the boots reversed in the stirrups signal that the leader looks back on his troops for the last time. In American military tradition this role is taken with great seriousness, and the horses selected for it undergo extensive training to remain calm and composed in the presence of crowds, music, and the sensory complexity of a formal procession. For those interested in the broader history and culture surrounding horses, our article on a history of horse gambling traces how horses have shaped human culture and commerce across the centuries.
How Blackjack the Horse Helped to Create a Healing Moment
When President Kennedy was returned to Washington for his burial, the nation was in shock and grief. As the day arrived when Kennedy would be laid to rest, thousands of mourners made the trip to Washington while millions more watched the proceedings on television.
One of the most stirring moments was when the casket passed the area where the First Lady stood with the couple’s children. Mrs. Kennedy stood back as the President’s young son, John Jr., stepped forward to offer a salute. Not far away in the procession was the horse Blackjack.
Those who witnessed the riderless horse Blackjack in the funeral of President Kennedy remember the event as one which was very moving. The ceremony did much to help the citizens of the United States to manage their grief in a time of profound sorrow.
Other famous riderless horses in the United States include Sergeant York. This horse was given the duty of assisting with the funeral of President Ronald Reagan in 2004. Old Bob was the horse given the duties for the funeral of President Abraham Lincoln.
This tradition for military funerals in the United States has somewhat been lessened in recent years. Many are sad to see it go, especially those who have memories of Blackjack the horse.
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