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The history of the Halifax Regional Police mounted unit is a long one. Halifax Police established a mounted unit in 1869, but it was abolished soon after. In 1903, the Chief considered a new mounted unit, but decided he would rather have five or six more men, rather than horses that could only be used six months of the year. The unit was re-established in 1905. Dartmouth established their mounted unit in 1925.
At the height of its popularity in the early 1950's, the mounted unit had about 15 members. Today, due to technology and limited open spaces, the HRP mounted unit consists of two horses.
The members of this unit patrol the south end of Halifax, some downtown areas, the Public Gardens, the Halifax Commons, and Point Pleasant Park, from approximately May through September. They can also be seen at many special events throughout the summer.
Duty Sergeant (Sarge), is calm and friendly, and stands 16 hands 3 inches high. Sarge became the only member of the Mounted Unit when he replaced the retiring member, Justice, on July 1, 2006.
In July of 2007, Sarge welcomed a stablemate, Cruiser (Cruise). Cruise is blessed with a calm and steady temperament that make him an ideal police horse. He takes crowds in stride and seems to enjoy his role as an HRP ambassador.
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Sarge and Cst.Marinelli
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Cst. Marinelli on Sarge and
Cst. Woodworth on Cruise (above)
The Mounted Unit on a rare winter patrol (left), February 2010. |
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Sarge and Cruise walking down Young Avenue, towards Point Pleasant Park, on a beautiful spring day.
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To request the presence of the Mounted Unit at your event, please contact
S/Sgt. Julia Cecchetto by e-mail or by telephone at (902) 490-3914.
Sarge and Cruise show the Budweiser team of horses the sights
during their visit to Halifax in August 2008.
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