You’re standing in the dust of a California rodeo arena or maybe on the pavement of a Rose Parade route. The crowd is loud. Then, everything shifts. You hear the rhythmic thud of hooves before you see the riders. When they appear, it’s a wall of midnight blue and scarlet, topped by the gleam of polished chrome and the snap of the American flag. This isn't a movie set. It’s the US Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard, and honestly, they are the only remaining unit of their kind in the entire Corps.
They’re rare.
While the rest of the military moved toward humvees and high-tech drones, this small group stayed in the saddle. They are based out of Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) Barstow, California. If you’ve never been to Barstow, it’s high desert. It’s hot. It’s rugged. It’s exactly where you’d expect to find the last of the Marine horsemen. These Marines aren't just "riders" in a ceremonial sense; they are active-duty Marines who trade their combat boots for riding boots, often without any prior equestrian experience.
The Wild Mustangs of the US Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard
The horses are the real stars here. You might expect them to be pampered thoroughbreds or expensive warmbloods bought from elite breeders. Nope.
The US Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard rides wild Mustangs.
Specifically, these horses are adopted through the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program. Think about that for a second. You take a horse that was running free in the Nevada or California wilderness—an animal that has never felt a human hand—and you train it to stand perfectly still while a 21-gun salute goes off five feet away. It’s a testament to the patience of the Marines at the stables. They use "natural horsemanship" techniques, which basically means they work with the horse’s instincts rather than just trying to break its spirit.
One of the most famous horses in their history was a palomino named "Okie." He was a legend. He served for decades and became a symbol of the unit’s stability. When you see these horses today, they are all distinct, but they share a certain "look"—sturdy, stoic, and incredibly calm under pressure. They have to be. A spooked horse in a crowded parade is a disaster, so the training is grueling.
Why Barstow?
People always ask why they are in the middle of the Mojave Desert. It seems random. But it makes perfect sense when you look at the logistics. MCLB Barstow has the space. It has the history. The unit was officially formed in 1967 by Lieutenant Colonel George M. Brooke. He wanted to represent the Marine Corps at local rodeos and events, and it just... stuck.
In 1968, they were designated an official Vera Cruz-style color guard. Over the years, they’ve become the most decorated color guard in the military. They’ve won the "Overall High Point Award" at the National Mounted Color Guard Competition more times than most people can count. It’s a point of massive pride for the base.
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Life at the Stables: It’s Not Just Parades
Being part of this unit is a "billet." That’s Marine-speak for a job assignment. Most of these Marines come from completely different backgrounds—infantry, mechanics, supply. They apply for the duty, and if they get it, they move to the stables.
They start their day at 04:30 or 05:00.
Mucking stalls.
Grooming.
Feeding.
Training.
There is no "janitorial staff" for the horses. If a Marine wants to ride in the Rose Parade, they have to shovel the manure first. It’s humbling. You’ve got a Sergeant who might have led troops in combat now spending four hours making sure a Mustang’s coat shines like a new dime.
The gear is another beast entirely. The saddles are custom-made Western saddles with the Marine Corps emblem. Everything has to be uniform. The silver needs to be polished until you can see your reflection in it. The red-and-gold saddle blankets have to be perfectly centered. If one cinch is loose or one buckle is dull, the whole unit looks off.
The Mental Game of the Mounted Color Guard
Horses feel what you feel. If a Marine is nervous about a massive crowd at the Super Bowl or a high-profile funeral at Arlington, the horse knows.
That’s why the bond is so intense.
The Marines often spend more time with their assigned horses than they do with their own families during the peak parade season. They travel across the country in massive trailers, living out of suitcases and hay-filled trucks. It’s a grueling schedule that covers thousands of miles every year. They hit the Calgary Stampede, the Cheyenne Frontier Days, and tiny little town fairs that most people couldn't find on a map.
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Breaking Down the "Dress Blues" Myth
When you see the US Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard, they are wearing the iconic Dress Blue Alphas or Bravos. People think these are modified for riding. They aren't. They are the same heavy, high-collared uniforms every Marine wears.
Imagine riding a 1,200-pound animal in the July heat while wearing heavy wool.
It’s brutal. The "blood stripe" (the red stripe on the trousers of NCOs and officers) looks particularly sharp against the side of a horse. It’s a visual link to the Battle of Chapultepec, and seeing it on horseback feels like a bridge to the 19th century. It reminds everyone that before there were tanks, there were horses. The Marine Corps actually used horses extensively in its early years, especially during the Indian Wars and in places like Peking (Beijing) during the Boxer Rebellion. This unit keeps that DNA alive.
What People Get Wrong About the Unit
A common misconception is that this is a "cavalry" unit. It’s not. The Marines don't have a cavalry tradition like the Army’s 1st Cav. The US Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard is strictly for ceremonial purposes and public relations. They aren't training to charge into battle on horseback.
Another mistake? Thinking the horses are "military property" in the way a rifle is. They are treated much more like partners. When a horse gets too old to perform, they aren't just "disposed of." There is a very strict retirement process. They are often adopted by former members of the unit or sent to specialized sanctuaries where they can live out their days eating grass and being lazy. They’ve earned it.
The Logistics of a National Treasure
Moving this unit isn't like moving a standard color guard. You can't just throw four Marines in a van and drive to New Orleans.
- You need a heavy-duty truck and a customized horse trailer.
- You need hundreds of pounds of hay and grain (you can't just switch their diet on the road).
- You need tack trunks, grooming kits, and uniform racks.
- You need a pre-planned route with "horse-friendly" stops.
It is a massive logistical puzzle. The Staff Sergeant in charge of the stables often acts as a part-time travel agent, part-time vet, and full-time leader. If a horse gets a stone in its shoe in the middle of Texas, the mission stops until it's fixed.
The Impact on Recruitment and Public Image
Let’s be real: the Marine Corps is about branding. And nothing brands better than the US Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard.
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They are often the first interaction a kid in a rural town has with the military. When a six-year-old sees a massive Mustang and a Marine in Dress Blues, that image sticks. It’s a "soft power" tool. It shows a side of the Corps that isn't about explosions or combat—it’s about discipline, tradition, and compassion for animals.
How to See Them in Person
If you want to catch the US Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard, you have to follow their schedule closely. They don't just hang out at Barstow waiting for visitors.
- The Tournament of Roses Parade: This is their "Super Bowl." They’ve been a staple here for decades. If you’re in Pasadena on New Year’s Day, you’ll see them near the front of the line.
- National Finals Rodeo (NFR): They often make appearances in Las Vegas for the big rodeo events.
- Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow: Sometimes they hold "open house" events or community days. It’s the best way to see the stables up close.
- Major West Coast Rodeos: Look for them at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo or the Salinas California Rodeo.
Actionable Steps for the Military Enthusiast
If you’re inspired by the history and the sheer aesthetic of this unit, here is how you can actually engage with this world:
Support Wild Horse Adoption
The unit proves that Mustangs are incredibly capable animals. If you have the land and the experience, look into the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program. These are the same "stock" the Marines use. You’re saving a piece of Western heritage.
Visit the MCLB Barstow Website
Don't just show up at the gate—it’s a secure military installation. Check their official public affairs page for "Command Museum" hours or scheduled public events. You can sometimes get photos with the riders if you catch them at the right time.
Study Marine Corps History
If the "blood stripe" or the uniforms caught your eye, dive into the history of the Marine Corps in the late 1800s. Look up the "China Marines" or the mounted units in Nicaragua. The Mounted Color Guard is a living museum of that era.
Attend a Mounted Color Guard Competition
These aren't just for Marines. The Army (like the 4th ID Mounted Color Guard) and various civilian groups compete. Watching these events gives you a deep appreciation for the "equitation" (the art of riding) that goes into keeping a horse calm while carrying a 10-foot flagpole in high winds.
The US Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard is a reminder that some things shouldn't change. In a world that’s moving faster and faster, there is something deeply grounding about a Marine, a Mustang, and the American flag moving at a steady walk. It’s not about efficiency. It’s about honor. And honestly, it’s just incredibly cool to watch.