Mounted Patrol Horse Retires

                                                                                                                             NEWS RELEASE #: 17-060 - MARCH 2, 2017


Mounted_Patrol_Charlie

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said goodbye to Charlie, a Mounted Patrol horse who is retiring after 12 years of service.

Charlie is an 18-year-old Thoroughbred Gelding who was donated to the agency in 2005. Formerly a pony horse whose job was to lead race horses to the starting gate, Charlie was a natural fit in the agency's Mounted Patrol Unit due to his calm demeanor. During his 12 years, he worked the Republican National Convention, Orlando Classic, as well as several major events and holidays throughout Sarasota County to include spring break on Siesta Key, Memorial and Labor days and holiday patrols during the Christmas season.

Charlie retires after sustaining an injury to a suspensory ligament. The sheriff's office Mounted Patrol Unit extends their gratitude to Dr. Nova Grande who worked with Charlie for more than six months using chiropractic techniques, laser therapy and specialized athletic tape to help Charlie heal. All of her services were donated free of charge.

During a ceremony held Wednesday evening at the Mounted Patrol barn in Nokomis, Charlie was treated to carrot cake, apples and his favorite treat; Mentos. Charlie will live with former Mounted Patrol Deputy Mariah Piper who was Charlie's primary rider for more than two years.

A video from Charlie's retirement is available for view on the sheriff's office YouTube channel at YouTube.com/SarasotaSheriff.