‘The legacy lives on’: Soldiers with 1st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment speak after learning unit isn’t going away

FORT HOOD, Texas (KWTX) - The 1^st Cavalry Division’s Horse Detachment Unit specializes in preserving the history of the mounted soldier.

Until recently, the unit’s future was up in the air.

In the summer of 2025, Horse Detachment was told the unit would be going away and the horses were going to be sold.

It was heartbreaking news that came directly from the 1^st Cavalry Division’s Commanding General, Major General Thomas Felty.

“It was my 3^rd day of command first of all, but it was one of the hardest things that I’ve had to witness because I was standing in front of my formation as he had to deliver the news and everyone just died out of their eyes,” said Cpt. Megan Korpiel, Commander of 1^st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment.

Soldiers had spent months and even years working to become part of the detachment and learn skills like custom leather work for making saddles and boots or blacksmithing for farrier work.

“So, if a soldier wants to be a farrier in the 1^st Cavalry Horse Detachment, they’ll apprentice in here,” said First Sgt. Kyle Minor, 1^st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment. “Anywhere from about 4 to 8 months, they’re learning the very basic. They don’t get to cut on a horse or anything like that. They’re studying anatomy, the basics, horse handling.”

Proving their desire to become farriers while others, like Corporal Mark Roman, specialize in the memorable performance they do all over the country.

“Whenever we’re conducting training, I’m ensuring that proper horseman ship techniques that we teach here in the detachment,” said Cpl. Roman. “I’m making sure that these horses are safe and these troopers are safe.”

Whether it’s performing, working in the custom shops, or maintaining the grounds, it’s all work they were glad to hear isn’t going anywhere.

“I happy that it’s sticking around for the traditions and legacies that have been here for hundreds of years,” said Sgt/ Hunter Smith, with the 1^st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment.

“Keeping that tradition alive, keeping the tradition of the troopers alive as well, because they did so many things for this country,” said Cpl. Roman.

The decision to keep the Horse Detachment was made just before Christmas and the Horse Detachment’s Commander, Captain Megan Korpiel, said was the best news she ever delivered.

“It’s really nice to know that we will be staying here and that now I can answer those questions, yes we will be here, and you will still be able to work here and do the things that you love,” said Cpt. Korpiel.

Everyone at the Horse Detachment said they are both honored and happy they get to continue serving in this now storied unit, carrying on the history of the 1^st Cavalry Division.