Indian Army's 61 Cavalry’s Rio gets Chief of Army Staff commendation

At an event at Carriapa parade ground in Delhi on Sunday, Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane rewarded him and recognised his contribution in the service.

Indian Army 61 Cavalry’s horse Rio received Chief of Army Staff commendation on Sunday for his stellar service as he completed his 18th Republic Day parade. 

Indian Army 61 Cavalry’s horse Rio received Chief of Army Staff commendation on Sunday for his stellar service as he completed his 18th Republic Day parade. 

At an event at Carriapa parade ground in Delhi on Sunday, Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane rewarded him and recognised his contribution in the service. 

At an event at Carriapa parade ground in Delhi on Sunday, Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane rewarded him and recognised his contribution in the service. 

He offered him carrots and jaggery along with commendation card, an official said.

With this, Rio became the first horse from the Indian Army's 61 Cavalry- the only functional horse regiment in the world to get the award.

He offered him carrots and jaggery along with commendation card, an official said.

With this, Rio became the first horse from the Indian Army's 61 Cavalry- the only functional horse regiment in the world to get the award.

Rio has been the contingent commander's charger for the last 16 years. He started participating in the parade at the age of 4.

“He is a special horse. He hears the human voice, when the commander gives the command he reacts accordingly,” Contingent Commander Capt Deepanshu Sheoran told Asianet Newsable before 72nd Republic Day parade.

Rio has been the contingent commander's charger for the last 16 years. He started participating in the parade at the age of 4.

“He is a special horse. He hears the human voice, when the commander gives the command he reacts accordingly,” Contingent Commander Capt Deepanshu Sheoran told Asianet Newsable before 72nd Republic Day parade.

Usually, the horses get retired at 20 years of age but Rio is 22 and still serving.

Usually, the horses get retired at 20 years of age but Rio is 22 and still serving.

“I feel so confident while marching on him because of his experience. He is never unnerved or disturbed because of the cameras or flashes,” Captain Sheoran said.

“I feel so confident while marching on him because of his experience. He is never unnerved or disturbed because of the cameras or flashes,” Captain Sheoran said.

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