Thoroughbreds Helping Fort Lauderdale Police
“Thoroughbreds are smart, they have a lot of heart, and they’re courageous,” Finn added. “They’re a lot of horse, but once our officers are trained in horsemanship, there’s no better horse. These thoroughbreds have helped us during bank robberies and shootouts, and they’re excellent when it comes to PR.” One of Finn’s retired thoroughbreds is Sir Oso, a full-brother to multiple Grade I winner Sir Bear and a winner of $74,482 before retiring earlier this year. Another thoroughbred in Finn’s unit is Sackthequarterback, a winner of one of 10 starts in Florida from 2005-06. The Fort Lauderdale Mounted Police unit, which started in 1983, can be seen patrolling the posh shops of Las Olas Boulevard, along the beach on A1A, and in neighborhoods throughout the city. “You know, the police are usually going into something negative,” Finn said. “No one invites you to the party. You’re always there as an unwelcome guest telling people the music is too loud or something else. But you can’t believe the difference when you’re on a horse. "You’re always talking to people on these thoroughbreds. It’s a great ice breaker. You find out things you have in common with people. You find out about the neighborhoods. We’ve have people walk up to us and, while they’re petting the horse, give us information about a burglary. The thoroughbreds definitely break down a lot of barriers.”
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The Fort Lauderdale Mounted Police has one prerequisite when it comes to accepting horses into their celebrated unit. “They have to be thoroughbreds,” said Sgt. Kevin Finn.