THE HORSES OF MADISON POLICE MOUNTED PATROL
"Beau" is bay colored Missouri Fox Trotter born in 2000. His ancestors were bred in the Ozarks where they needed a durable, sure-footed horse to ride in the rocky terrain. These horses are gaited horses known for their “fox trot” described as walking with the front feet and trotting with the hind. He has been on the job since 2007. When not looking for bad guys, he enjoys looking for treats!
"Artex" is a dark bay colored Morgan-Friesian cross born in 2001. His ancestors came from Germany where long ago, they were the horses of the medieval knights! The Morgan breed is an all purpose horse known for its strength and willingness to do anything. He has worked as a mounted patrol horse since the beginning of 2008 and loves helping people. While at work, he loves to play in water fountains!
"Xander" is a black Missouri Foxtrotter born in 1999. Foxtrotters are gaited horses known for their “fox trot,” which is smooth and easy to ride. Xander was generously donated by the Lusk family of Tony, Wisconsin, to Madison Mounted after a career as a family trail horse. He completed his try out with the patrol and was officially hired in 2008. He has a great sense of humor, and likes to play with toys and untie himself to escape!
"Mack" is a bay colored Quarter horse born in 2003. Mack made his debut with the Madison Police Mounted Patrol in the summer of 2009. He was purchased from a family in Brodhead, WI. Donations from YOU to Madison Mounted helped make this possible! Mack says "Thank You" to all his supporters!
"Kandour" is the newest member of the Mounted Patrol earning his badge in Spring of 2010. He is a black colored Percheron born in 1999. Weighing in at approximately 1,700 lbs and 17.2 hands tall!!!
He is generously being leased to the Mounted Patrol Unit by Jim Schultz of Black Earth, WI.
BEAU
ARTEX
XANDER
PONY TALES
How do horses help police in crowds?
With an officer positioned high over a crowd guiding a horse into the fray, people start to pay attention and stop bad behavior. Mounted officers are highly visible and see trouble forming quicker than an officer on the ground.
Therefore, officers on horseback, with their heightened view, can communicate with ground troops to tell them where the problem is. Violent and unruly people are quickly brought to cooperation when gently sandwiched between two horses- making the use of tasers or human-to-human physical force less necessary.
A horse can chase down suspects faster than a human and go more places in both urban and park environments than a squad car. Professionals estimate that an officer on horseback is equal to 10 officers on foot when working in crowd situations.
Why are horses so effective in developing relationships between people and officers?
Some people, because of experiences or life situations, just don’t trust the police. Often police contact is initiated by violence or a crime that has been committed. Because of this, some people might be afraid to talk to the police or simply lack the confidence to come to us. Horses are rare in today’s city environment and can provide the opportunity to start a conversation between an officer and a citizen. This can start a relationship that can be helpful for everyone in the future. Getting a chance to pet the soft coat of a calm horse can be a real treat. As the old saying goes, “There’s something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man,” still holds true today.
MACK
KANDOUR
