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At the end of the 18th century in the United States, with the death of America’s first president, a new role emerged: the riderless horse representing the mount of a fallen leader.

A former officer in the American Revolutionary War, Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee eulogized George Washington in December 1799 as being “...first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen...” Twelve days after Washington’s death at Mt. Vernon, a riderless horse took part in an elaborate, simulated funeral ceremony conducted in Philadelphia, the then-capital of the United States, with an empty casket symbolizing the late president. The event was described in The Pennsylvania Gazette:

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Immediately preceding the clergy in the funeral procession, two marines wearing black scarves escorted the horse, who carried the general’s “saddle, holsters, and pistols” and boots reversed in the stirrups. The riderless horse was “trimmed with black - the head festooned with elegant black and white feathers - the American Eagle displayed in a rose upon the breast, and in a feather upon the head.”

The empty boots facing backward in the stirrups had two levels of meaning. First, their being empty indicated the individual would ride no more. Secondly, they suggested the deceased was taking one last look back at his family and the troops he commanded. Both of these meanings carry forward to today’s tradition of boots reversed in the stirrups.

More here: https://www.politibrew.com/military-salute/318-the-riderless-horse-empty-boots-reversed-in-the-stirrups

Amen 🙏. Thank you for the homework, reed. One moving solemnity, worthy of knowing its history, symbol and meaning. Thanks. Another public favorite is “That Ragged Old Flag”, sung inimitably only by Johnny Cash. That story telling song is represented in every rodeo’s Grand Entry, by the dramatic work of the Flag bearing horse, entering the arena, with his slow bobbing head hanging low as if timing his plodding slow walk. Picking up little to no dust, the horse circles the arena carrying his Rider and our Flag. The horse gently picking up with the firmer sound of Cash now beginning to deepen his story of our flag’s life. The horse, accordingly moves in with the progress of the story, first into his slow trot, then into that sleek, slow canter, and then into an emotional gallup, and finally with the mighty Crescendo, and Cash’ volume and passion, the horse breaks out! Its Top run, is stretched out hard, by pounding hoofs and dust flying, the rider’s face buried in the mane, the wind often taking the hat flying, and our fast flying flag stretches out tight, with the strain of the horse, so that its wave is now flat, its edges but tremble. No dry eyes, Ever. 🙏