It can be a bit jarring when you’re walking through a busy metropolis and suddenly see a police officer riding their trusty steed alongside a skyscraper. Though they might seem outdated, mounted patrol units are still very much a staple in most U.S. cities. In an age of drones, dash cams, and armored SUVs, why are cops still riding horses like it’s 1825? One of the primary reasons horses are so effective in city environments is because they know how to break up a group. Nothing parts a crowd like a 1,200-pound animal with hooves the size of dinner plates. Officers also get a better vantage point on horseback. In a dense crowd, that elevated view is a tactical advantage. They also provide mobility in areas where cars can’t go. When it comes to foot chases or messy terrain, it’s sometimes just more effective to clop through than drive. In addition, horses are public relations gold. Kids love them and adults want selfies with them. In general, the horses help humanize officers and break the ice with the community in a way that perhaps only they can. Of course, horse patrols aren’t cheap. Between training, boarding, feeding, and caring for these giant four-legged coworkers, the costs add up. Fortunately, nonprofits like the Friends of the Lexington Mounted Police in Lexington, KY., and the Bethlehem Mounted Police in Bethlehem, Penn., have rallied donations and built stables to help keep horses on the beat.
