NEWS RELEASE 20-144 - DECEMBER 4, 2020
Ms. Robin Ruhnke, Deputy Ben Kern, Mounted Patrol Horse Valor, Deputy Mike Jackson, Deputy Karla Small, Mounted Patrol Horse Major, Deputy Stephen Brown, and Dr. Ron White.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office retired two members of its Mounted Patrol Unit on Friday.
Valor, a 28-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred, was donated to the sheriff’s office 17 years ago from Texas. Throughout his career, Valor worked several major events in Sarasota and surrounding counties including the Super Bowl, Republican National Convention (RNC), and the Florida Classic. He also deployed to Mississippi following the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina. Valor was named 2017 Thoroughbred of the Year through The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P).
Major, a 19-year-old Hanoverian, was also received by the sheriff’s office through a donation by a local doctor following the passing of his wife. Major also worked the RNC, Florida Classic, and several high-profile events throughout his career. He is often recognized by the unit for his high-level Dressage skills.
Both horses have served the agency well and kept both their riders and the Sarasota County community safe. Valor and Major will live out their retirement with Dr. Ron White and Ms. Robin Ruhnke at the Sarasota Polo Club.