Fort Riley ? Training begins next week for a group of Kansas natives who will march in the inauguration parade in Washington.

They’re getting ready for frigid weather, big crowds, and icy streets dotted by manhole covers, subway grates and steam vents. They have names such as Comanche, Traveler, Cyclone, Gunner and Scout.

They are horses — bay geldings — weighing in at 1,100 to 1,200 pounds.

The animals were chosen for President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration parade on Jan. 20 for their temperament, looks and ability to adapt to their riders.

Riding them will be 14 soldiers in the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard at Fort Riley. Most of them have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan