May 14, 2013

Nine people and eight horses make up the mounted police unit in Baltimore City, currently in its 125th year in existence. The unit has been larger and smaller over the years with 24 officer and horses in the 1980s (its heyday) to as few as only four horses four years ago. Several horses were donated by area businesses and local communities.

Photos taken by Baltimore Sun photographer Algerina Perna.

: This is Slurpee, a draft horse. Draft horses are used because they are large and work well in an urban environment. (Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun)

: Officer Corey Valis tells “Slurpee,” a horse donated by 7-Eleven, to stop kicking the stall. (Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun)

: Officer Corey Valis, tells “Slurpee,” a horse donated by 7-Eleven, to stop kicking his stall. (Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun)

: Officers John Potter, left, and Arturo Garvin make their way down the path to the stables. (Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun)

: This year is the 125th anniversary of the Baltimore Mounted Police. In its heyday in the 1980’s, there were 24 officers and horses. At its lowest point about four years ago due to retirement and transfers, there were only 4 horses. Today, nine people and 8 horses make up the mounted police unit. Seven are Baltimore City Police officers; two are hostlers who maintain the stables and horses. (Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun)

: Officer Jenny Folk, left, and hostler Nicole Flanary are pictured in the stables with one of the horses. (Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun)

: Porter, a draft horse, grazes outside the stalls. (Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun)

: Porter, a draft horse, grazes outside the stalls. A number of horses are donated from area businesses and the local communities. In the background is Ofcr. Arturo Garvin. (Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun)

: Officer J.L. Gilley looks at a scrap book that chronicles the history of the Mounted Police.(Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun)

: This furry friend is a fixture in the barn. (Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun)

: Officer Arturo Garvin cleans Buster’s hoof. The horses don’t wear horseshoes so the hooves are cleaned after every ride. (Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun)