ST. LOUIS, MO — The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) is proud to introduce Captain, a nearly five-year-old Clydesdale who has officially joined the department’s Mounted Patrol Unit, thanks to our continued partnership with the St. Louis Police Foundation.
Captain made his public debut this week outside Busch Stadium, where thousands of St. Louis Cardinals fans had the opportunity to meet the department’s newest four-legged officer.
The addition of Captain marks an exciting milestone for the Mounted Patrol Unit, bringing the total number of horses in the unit to four. The unit has been a part of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s history since March 18, 1867, and was re-established in 1970. Today, mounted officers continue to play a critical role in public safety, crowd management, patrol operations, and building meaningful relationships with the community.
Captain comes to St. Louis after extensive training in mounted patrol operations, including urban and rural equitation, active self-defense, crowd management, obstacle navigation, and community engagement. Known for his calm temperament and reliability under pressure, Captain stands an impressive 18.2 hands tall.
“Every investment we make in public safety should also strengthen the relationship between our officers and the community we serve,” said Chief Robert J. Tracy. “Captain represents another opportunity to engage with residents, connect with children, support officers during large-scale events, and continue building trust throughout our neighborhoods. We are incredibly grateful for the St. Louis Police Foundation for making this investment possible.”
The St. Louis Police Foundation and SLMPD started the search for the right Clydesdale nearly two years ago before finding Captain. In addition to the horse itself, the Foundation funded modifications to the Mounted Unit’s facilities, including expanding Captain’s stall to accommodate his size, as well as specialized equipment designed specifically for a horse of his stature.
“This project reflects exactly what the St. Louis Police Foundation strives to accomplish—bringing together community partners who want to invest in innovative ways to support both our officers and the people they serve,” said St. Louis Police Foundation Executive Director Michelle Craig. “Captain is a remarkable horse, and we’re proud to help provide another resource that enhances public safety while creating positive interactions between officers and the community.”
Mounted officers can patrol downtown, entertainment districts, parks, neighborhoods, festivals, sporting events, and other large gatherings where horses provide both a highly visible public safety presence and a unique opportunity for community engagement.
Captain’s arrival represents another example of the department’s commitment to Investing in Safety through strong partnerships that enhance policing while strengthening connections with the people of St. Louis.
