Meet the Horses

The Mounted Command enjoys being the most popular of the units within the Providence Police Department, and serves as the main public relations tool of the Department; and while a mounted officer's personality and approachability is certainly very important, perhaps even more integral is the temperament and approachability of the horses themselves. Their regal presence beckons attention. Mounted officers are fond of saying, "No one ever pets a police car".

The majority of the mounts are "draft crosses". (Heavily boned work horses such as Clydesdale, Percheron and Belgian, crossed with the lighter boned saddle breeds such as a Thoroughbred or an American Quarter Horse) These draft crosses are very strong boned, and as such they can handle the weight of heavy riders and walking on hard surfaces for long hours. They're also cold-blooded and tend not to be easily startled, allowing them to be readily trained to perform their police duties. Most of the horses have been purchased in Canada and they have been acquired through charitable donations. When a horse is sponsored, the donor is allowed to choose the name of the horse.

As a way of community involvement, The Mounted Command facility is open to group tours on Monday through Friday at 10AM. Throughout the year the unit hosts dozens of tours welcoming classrooms from throughout greater Providence and Rhode Island, as well as Scout Troops and 4-H clubs. Tours of the Mounted Command facility can be arranged by appointment only by contacting their office at 401-243- 6042.

Adonis Adonis was born in 1993 and is a 16.1 hand, Draft cross gelding. He was donated by Hermes Investment Inc. of East Providence, RI in 1999.

Allegiance Allegiance was born in 1996 and is a 17.1 hand, Draft cross gelding. He was donated by The Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau of Providence, RI in 2000.

Arlen Arlen was born in 1994 and is a 16.3 hand, Draft cross gelding. He was donated by Arlen Corporation of Providence, RI in 1999.

Cassidy III Cassidy III was born in 2000 and is a 17.1 hand, Draft cross gelding. He was donated by Monique and Barry Doherty of Providence. RI in 2001.

Hooligan Hooligan was born in 1996 and is a 17.0 hand, Draft cross gelding. He was purchased by the City of Providence in 1999

Sardelli Sardelli was born in 1996 and is a 17.2 hand, Draft cross gelding. He was donated by T. Sardelli & Sons of Providence, RI in 1999.

Remax Cityside Remax Cityside was born in 2003 and is a 17.0 hand, Belgian Draft gelding. He was donated by Armistead Covington of Providence, R.I. in 2012.