Trot Home

Great article in the New York Times Saturday about Aldo, the police horse who lost his rider on Friday afternoon but managed to find his way home. Apparently, Aldo and his mounted officer were making their rounds on Friday afternoon when Aldo was spooked by the backfire from a motorcycle.

The officer landed on the sidewalk and was not seriously injured but Aldo took off, riderless. "Within about five minutes, the horse made it back to the stable..." the Times reports. The Police department veterinarian reported that Aldo suffered only a few minor cuts. Aldo made the journey of about eight blocks in two different directions, a handy accomplishment for a horse who has only been on the job about a year.

Horses, like most animals, are creatures of habit. I know that Miss Phoebe, who has never ventured off our fenced in property unescorted, could most definitely find her way back if she did. She has an uncanny sense of direction and when I let her, she leads me. In fact, there are times when I think both dogs are like those riding stable horses that only trot when they are headed home!

Paul J. Browne, the Police Department's chief spokesman, said it best: "You know, Aldo knows his turf."