NEWS RELEASE 20-148 - DECEMBER 11, 2020
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Mounted Patrol Unit is excited to introduce three new horses to the Sarasota County community.
Colonel is a 6-year-old Bay Thoroughbred Gelding. He stands approximately 16.2 hands tall and was donated to the agency by Florida Trac, an off-the-track horse rescue in Indiantown, Florida.
Sabre is a 15-year-old Bay Quarter Horse Gelding. He stands approximately 16 hands tall and was donated by Brandy Varner of Polk City, Florida.
Special is a 16-year-old Bay Oldenburg Mare. She stands approximately 16.2 hands tall and was donated by Kendra Elder, of Myakka City.
All three horses were gifted to the agency in February 2020, and over the last several months, have undergone specialized training to include practicing common scenarios deputies may face while on horseback. Riders have spent time getting acquainted with the horses and introducing them to specific locations throughout the county including public beaches and large shopping corridors. Now that their training is complete, Colonel, Sabre and Special are working this holiday season.
“The sheriff’s office is so fortunate to be supported by the equestrian community both here locally and throughout the state of Florida,” commented Segreant Arik Smith. “Every one of our current horses has been donated to the agency either by a private donor or organization. These horses are meant for work like this and our deputies keep very high standards for their training and care.”
The Mounted Patrol Unit is comprised of eight horses, two full-time deputies and four part-time deputies. Both the horses and riders work out of a new barn that was completed in 2020, located along Rustic Road in Nokomis.