At the sprawling South Shore Cultural Center, the early-morning sun casts a golden glow on the stables nestled just beyond the gated entrance. On this 20-degree Thursday, the waves of nearby Lake Michigan are frozen into tiny peaks, and 2 inches of snow covers the ground.
At about 7 a.m., Sgt. Rishi Desai, an 18-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department who joined the Mounted Patrol Unit last year, opens the doors of the cozy stables to a scene more reminiscent of the gentle PBS production “All Creatures Great and Small” than the gritty police drama “Chicago P.D.”
The 25 hardworking horses that reside here whinny as they greet their assigned officers, marking the start of their morning routines as they prepare for another day of training and duty here at the heart of CPD’s storied mounted unit.
“When I come in for the day, Kilroy is already brimming with energy, a spring in his step as if to say, ‘Hey, I’m ready for work, buddy,’” Desai said of his equine partner, a chestnut quarter horse that exudes confidence with his alert stance. “Horses appreciate purpose, direction, structure and human interaction.”
A black barn cat with large white spots, appropriately named Moo, emerges from under a wooden bench and stretches languidly before setting off on her morning rounds, weaving gracefully between the horses and brushing against her police officer friends’ legs.
The smell of fresh hay mingles with the crisp morning air as the horses finish breakfast, a carefully balanced diet of hay and grains, with a few apples and carrots for good measure.
The unit officers gather to discuss the day’s objectives, determining whether they will be patrolling the city, attending a ceremony or participating in a parade, while meticulously grooming their horses, brushing their coats, detangling their manes and picking their hooves.
“Grooming serves two purposes,” said Officer Jason Ayala, the unit’s lead trainer. “Not only do we want our horses to look dashing, but we’re also inspecting for any ailments or injuries. We take immense pride in our horses’ excellent health, reflected in their strength and beauty.”
Chicago’s equine protectors
The horses are indeed a sight to behold.
Ranging in age from 7 to 27, they’ve come from across the Midwest. For many, this is their chance at a second career. Some were racehorses, retired when their speed dropped; others worked on farms.
The horses wait eagerly in their stalls, arranged around a central training arena, for their turn to train.
Each horse is named after a fallen officer, and the entrance to each stall is adorned with a photo and information paying tribute to the officer.
There’s French, an elegant chocolate-brown mare named after Officer Ella French, who lost her life in the line of duty in August 2021.
Noble quarter horses Marmolejo and Gary were named simultaneously in honor of Officers Eduardo Marmolejo and Conrad Gary, who were both killed on watch in December 2018.
Desai’s horse is named after Officer Raymond Carl Kilroy, who served with the Chicago Police Department for over 20 years and lost his life in May 1990 alongside his partner, Officer Gregory Hauser, as they responded to a domestic disturbance call.
“We take such care in naming the horses because it means so much to the fallen officer’s family,” Ayala said. “We make sure each horse has great potential before they’re named. And when we recognize that potential, we’re dedicated to putting in the hard work, training the horses to reach their fullest capabilities.”
Ayala’s jet-black quarter horse, Caspar, is steadfast. “You could put him in the middle of a fireworks launch, and he wouldn’t bat an eyelid,” Ayala said.
Desai said the horse and rider need to build a connection before they are officially partnered. “We call the bond of loyalty between the officer and the horse ‘hand to hoof,’” he said. “Forming that bond and commitment takes blood, sweat and tears.”
The original SUV
In the expansive exercise area at the center of the stables, officers and their partner horses practice morning training drills.
A 14-week training program ensures that officers and their horses are prepared for duty, starting with the initial phase that focuses on establishing trust.
Mounted officers train alongside their horses, mastering riding techniques, understanding equine behavior, developing patrol strategies and, perhaps most importantly, learning to communicate effectively.
“Ideal equine candidates for the unit are calm, confident and responsive, possessing a strong build, capable of navigating the city, and an unflappable attitude,” said Ayala, who served as a patrol officer in the 14th District before joining the unit. He became the lead trainer in 2007.
“Horses are the original SUV,” he said. “Well-trained, they can outperform an SUV, and expertly maneuver Chicago’s parks, the beach and busy city streets.”
According to Desai, “these are essentially the same qualities we look for in the officers interested in being part of the unit.”
Learning to ride
There are no requirements for the unit beyond having been a CPD officer for at least three years, Desai said. No riding experience is necessary. “However, there is one extra value a potential mounted officer absolutely has to possess,” Desai said, “a love for animals.”
Desai himself had no prior experience with horses. “Sometimes, the less you know, the better,” he said.
The unit rides English style, Ayala said. “Even if you have a little bit of experience with Western-style riding, which is more common in the U.S., you need to learn a completely new riding skill set,” Ayala said. “It’s not just about riding skills; you also need to be ready for the physically demanding daily tasks, like cleaning out your horse’s stall.”
The diversity within the unit and the beauty of the horses foster a connection with the community, Desai said.
“We have such a diverse group of mounted officers; Our unit truly represents the city of Chicago,” he said. “All colors, backgrounds and neighborhoods are represented. This diversity helps people feel more comfortable engaging with us. Our horses’ grace and beauty make them magnetic, which in turn helps us connect with people on a deeper level.”
A department spokesperson said there are 20 mounted riders within the unit. Ayala emphasized that trust is key to the horse-and-rider relationship. “When we need our horse to trot or slow down to a halt, they need to act on our cue immediately,” he said. “It all boils down to the bond they have with their officer.”
During the second phase of training, the horses take on more complex tasks that mirror real-life scenarios they may encounter on duty. “They learn to navigate the streets and assist in crowd control,” Ayala said. “Desensitization exercises gradually expose the horses to the sounds of Chicago — sirens, fireworks, construction noise, and even music — using a boom box.”
The noise can take some getting used to. “Initially, the horses might react like your grandpa hearing a loud hip-hop song for the first time,” Ayala said, laughing. “He might not enjoy the music, but eventually, he learns to tune it out.”
Ready for duty
By 8 a.m., the officers and horses are typically ready to head out on patrol.
In addition to routine patrols, the Mounted Patrol Unit performs crowd control during large-scale events, parades, protests and festivals. The unit also represents the police department at official ceremonies and memorial services.
“The mounted unit is a fantastic presence in our city,” said former 5th Ward Ald. Leslie Hairston, who was born and raised in South Shore and still lives in the community. “They used to ride all around the city; not just downtown. And the children, especially, love to see the horses.”
Hairston said she would like to see the mounted unit offer programming for youths. The last city-sponsored public riding stable, Lincoln Park’s New Parkway Riding Stables, closed in 1967.
“We are one of the few cities with a park district-based equestrian facility,” she said. “Let’s take advantage of having a mounted unit in place at the South Shore Cultural Center and offer more equestrian opportunities for our youth. Horses bring so much joy; just spending time with them can be therapeutic.”
Desai, too, said horses can enchant youths. “People, especially children, are captivated by the horses,” he said. “They’re our ambassadors of goodwill, paving the way for positive relationships.”
The inaugural unit
The city’s inaugural mounted police unit set off on patrol for the first time on Sept. 14, 1906. The unit was established to address congestion in the Loop, offering a unique solution to Chicago’s early traffic woes. City streets were a chaotic mix of horse-drawn carriages, streetcars and early automobiles — often referred to as horseless carriages — which were primitive versions of cars powered by steam or gasoline engines.
The day after the unit’s debut, the Chicago Tribune marked the success with a bold headline: “Mounted Police Do Good Work First Day in Saddle.”
By 1948, the rise of motorized vehicles led to the unit being disbanded, replacing horses with motorcycles for more efficient urban patrol. However, the mounted unit returned in 1974, driven by the need for a more visible, approachable police presence.
Evening rituals
By 4 p.m., the day’s patrol duties tend to wind down and the officers and horses return to the stables. It’s time to thoroughly groom the horses again while also checking for signs of fatigue or injury. The officers review the day’s activities and prepare for the next day’s assignments.
The horses have their own shower facilities with both hot and cold water. “They’re just like us,” Desai said. “They like to warm up with a hot shower in the winter and a refreshing, cool shower after a long day of work in the summer.”
The horses enjoy dinner — the same regimen as their morning meal — along with some fresh hay; then they settle in for a little alone time before bed.
“Horses typically sleep standing up,” Ayala said. “But our horses sure do like their soft, comfy bedding.”
By the end of the training program, the bond between each officer and horse is unbreakable, Ayala said. “They emerge not just as partners, but as a cohesive unit, ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way,” he said. “These horses stand tall, proud, with unwavering loyalty and professionalism, ready to serve Chicago with pride.”
Amy Bizzarri is a freelancer.