January 17, 2012 - Members of the Houston Police Department’s Mounted Patrol, the Houston Police Foundation and the Houston Downtown Management District joined together today (Jan. 17) in Market Square Park to announce a contest to name the Downtown District’s sponsored horse and to highlight the Adopt-a-Horse Program.

“The District is proud to announce our sponsorship of an HPD horse as we truly enjoy the presence of the Mounted Patrol in downtown and want to see this service continue for many, many years,” Bob Eury, executive director of the Downtown District, said. “The horses are beloved by the community, so what better way to choose a name than to ask Houstonians to suggest one! We will be accepting names via our Facebook page, with the name to be announced in February.

The horse selected has been with HPD for a little more than two years and, until he joined the Mounted Patrol, he had never been saddled.  After a year of training, he hit the streets with his partner, HPD Lieutenant Randall Wallace.  The two can often be seen patrolling downtown Houston

“This sponsorship program is a great way for HPD to partner with the Houston business community,” said Lieutenant Wallace.  “Our horses play a vital role in keeping citizens safe.  We appreciate the leadership role the Houston Downtown Management District has taken in this endeavor.”

Through the Houston Police Foundation, the Adopt-a-Horse Program allows Houston businesses and organizations to sponsor Mounted Patrol horses for at least one year.  The tax deductible $5,000 sponsorship covers all the operating expenses for the animal for the year.  As well as naming the horse, sponsorship benefits include signage on the horse’s stall under the nameplate, recognition on the Mounted Patrol Web site and photos of the horse/sponsor/assigned officer for sponsor use.

Video of today’s event can be found at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvfqUuLPcKo

For more information on the Adopt-a-Horse Program, visit the Houston Police Foundation’s website at:

https://houstonpolicefoundation01.worldsecuresystems.com/adopt-a-horse-app

To enter the contest to name HPD’s four-legged crime fighter, visit the Downtown District’s Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/visitdowntownhouston

Submissions will be accepted until Jan. 27. The person who submits the selected name will not only have bragging rights for the year, but will also have his/her photo taken with the majestic animal.

KJS/JFC  1-17-12