MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE, Calif. -- The United States Marine Corps was created 231 years ago in Tun Tavern, Pa. The Kentucky Derby made its debut at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. 133 years ago. The MCLB Barstow Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard was formed in Barstow, Calif. 40 years ago.
Marine and Louisville history crossed paths May 3, when the Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard became the first mounted Marine unit to lead the Pegasus Parade and present the colors in the Kentucky Oaks Race and Derby. This honor didn't happen by accident, it took careful planning and months of preparation both on the Marine Corps and the City of Louisville sides.
Maj. William Carroll, commanding officer, Recruiting Station Louisville, said the wheels of motion started spinning November 2006. The idea was born when his staff discovered the mounted color guard's Web site, and suggested the color guard open for the Derby during a meeting with Sixth Marine Corps Recruiting Command.
"We thought they would be a great way to show the different aspects of the Marine Corps to the people of Louisville, we wanted to show that Marines aren't just about guns," said Carroll.
His staff went through many channels within the local government to complete their mission, including speaking to the Louisville police and Larry Hays, the assistant mayor of Louisville.
Carroll's team contacted the mounted color guard and went to work to ensure their spot in the parade and other Kentucky Derby Festival events.
While Carroll's team put the cogs in motion in Louisville, Gunnery Sgt. Ivan Collazosanchez, Staff Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard, was hard at work with his team to prepare them for situations they might encounter while on the trip.
Because most of the color guard's events are in the West, they had to prepare the horses for a nearly 2,000 mile trek across the USA.
"The horses performed wonderfully. I'm very surprised they handled and behaved themselves. I didn't expect that from them on the first trip," said Collazosanchez.
While on the road, the team had to endure bad traffic, unfavorable weather and other motorists. Days started early for the team and ended late because not only did they have to worry about themselves, but they also had to ensure the horses were well fed and not overworked by the journey.
At one point in the trip Collazosanchez said the mission could have been jeopardized.
Cpl. Justin M. Tully, noncommissioned officer in charge, Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard said he was driving uphill 32 miles south of Cuba, Missouri when his truck’s power cut out.
“First, the power steering went out, then the brakes and finally the engine. I had to pull over safely to protect the horses and Marines in the truck,” said Tully.
The truck’s high pressure oil line, which is supposed to be pumping at 3,200 pounds per square inch, was only pumping at 38 psi, which caused the engine to die, said Tully.
He said the truck’s faulty part caused minor setbacks while the team had to wait for the vehicle to be repaired.
"With the past events we have done we were prepared for everything;” said Collazosanchez, “everything came together in our favor and everyone knew what to do when things went wrong,” he said.
After the repairs were made, the mounted color guard made it to their destination in Kentucky, where both sides of planning came together. Due to 6th MCRC’s work with the Derby officials, the mounted color guard had the honor of performing in every event of the Kentucky Derby Festival, the Kentucky Oaks race, the Kentucky Derby and the Pegasus Parade.
The horses the team rides are wild palomino mustangs captured by the Bureau of Land Management. Palomino is the light tan color of the horses, constant maintenance and grooming is required to keep the horses looking their best.
To keep their color, the horses have to be cleaned from head to hoof said Pfc. Lucas Shull, guard, Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard.
“All the cleaning and care pays off, people compliment us on how our horses look, it’s a good feeling,” said Shull.
Lance Cpl. Ryne Charlton, guard, Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard, said he felt honored to be on the color guard because he gets to represent the Marine Corps and also work with the horses.
“I always liked horses and now I get to work with them everyday,” said Charlton.
Tully said that presenting the colors at the races was an experience he won’t forget, yet can’t describe.
“All you have to do is stay focused and look through the crowds. You’re excited and nervous because after hours of training with the horses you hope that they will perform. It’s true what they say, you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. It’s the same with presenting the colors, you can teach the horse to stand still, but if the horse doesn’t want to do it, he won’t, no amount of training can force a horse to do anything,” said Tully.
He said the cheering of the 156,000 people in attendance of the races was amazing and gave him chills while riding.
“Not many people knew we existed, but a lot more know now. Hopefully we can grow as a color guard and be able to do more events like this in the future,” said Tully.
After the Derby, the mounted color guard packed up their gear and started on the journey home.
"This has been one of the most intense trips we've made, we've been seen all across the United States and we've experienced how people feel about us. We were treated like royalty," said Collazosanchez.
By the journey's end, the team showed that their obstacles, deadlines and situations could be overcome with dedication, motivation and a little hard work.