What is significance of the "riderless horse and reversed boots" in
Presidential death processions?

Hello Curt1

The riderless horse is used at many different state or presidential
funerals around the world.  The riderless horse is properly known as a
caparisoned horse.  It carries a pair of reversed boots in the
stirrups of the empty saddle to symbolize that the warrior will never
ride again.

The full story behind this tradition can be read about here:
http://www.mdw.army.mil/FS-H03.HTM
http://washingtontimes.com/weekend/20031105-102342-6201r.htm

Incidentally the boots used in Reagan's funerals were from his own riding gear.

One of the most famous riderless horses was Black Jack, more of which
can be found out about him here:
http://www.equinenet.org/heroes/blackjack.html

If you have any further questions regarding this please ask for
clarification and I will do my best to help.

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Request for Answer Clarification by curt1-ga on 12 Jun 2004 12:00 PDT

In the case of Presidents is it necessary that they have military service?

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Clarification of Answer by palitoy-ga on 12 Jun 2004 12:08 PDT

As President they are "in command" of the armed forces so would be
automatically bestowed this honour, if deemed worthy of it, whether or
not they actively served.

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much appreciated.