caparisonedhorse

The elaborate 'costume' the horse is wearing is actually a knotted string 'fly sheet', designed to wick off sweat and keep the flies off the horse. Also note that the boots are inserted backwards in the stirrups, which in most cases indicates the death of the rider. Since Gen. F. D. Grant (son of Ullyses S.) died on April 12, 1912, this photo would have been taken a few days later at his funeral most likely.

I agree with XSPimages comments. This appears to be a caparisoned horse used during funeral processions to honor the deceased. The boots would be from Gen. Grant himself. The tradition can still be requested today for military personnel (colonel or above) who served in the Army or Marine Corp, or served as President of the USA. A caparisoned horse was used during Ronald Reagan's funeral. The horse bore the boots worn by Ronald Reagan and was escorted riderless down the procession in honor of the deceased president. More information: www.arlingtoncemetery.net/caparisoned.htm en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riderless_horse Too bad this image is fogged. This is a good looking animal.

The Riderless Horse (aka Caparisoned Horse) used during funeral processions of Army or Marine Corp colonels (or higher) or deceased presidents of the USA. The riderless horse bears the boots of the deceased (mounted backwards) as a symbol that the rider will never ride again. For more information: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riderless_horse www.arlingtoncemetery.net/caparisoned.htm usmilitary.about.com/od/jointservices/a/funeralhonors.htm

Frederick Dent Grant died on April 12, 1912… en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Dent_Grant

Thank you for helping us to more precisely identify this image. We'll add the information to our source catalog.