Allegheny County Police Department mounted horse Henry retires
Police horse Henry attended the G20 Summit, two Super Bowls and two Stanley Cup parades, numerous protests, election gatherings, many Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day parades and appearances at Kennywood Park, which was his favorite spot, according to Allegheny County Police Sgt. Jason Donaldson.
The 23-year-old, 1,800-pound chestnut-colored Belgian quarter horse cross retired from service Monday as a beloved member of the Allegheny County Police Department Mounted Patrol Unit. He to the force in 2007 and lived at the Allegheny County Police Stables in South Park.
Mounted Police Units are dispatched in details across the region, from Pittsburgh’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade to events such as eclipse viewings and community happenings. They often serve at concerts, sporting events, protests, demonstrations and political rallies.
One horse can do the work of several officers when moving large groups of people.
Allegheny County Police Department’s unit was established in 1932 by a group of officers who served with the U.S. cavalry in World War I. Back then, there were more horses than human officers.
In general, horses can work into their early 20s, barring any health issues.
Henry is one of the longest-serving horses to be part of the mounted unit. He beat skin cancer in 2011.
Henry was the first draft horse with the county (draft horses are large and bred to do laborious tasks like farming and pulling implements or carriages).
Henry was the first horse that Donaldson rode. He said Henry will rejoin some other horses that have retired and live a simpler life.
”Henry was always the first horse new riders rode,” Donaldson said, as he became emotional. “He knew something was up. This is an amazing day. We get to honor him for his 18 years of community service. He has been the backbone of our mounted unit for many years.”
Dayle Kendall of Swissvale, the owner who donated Henry, was at the ceremony. Her mother, Paulette Zahorchak, was a nurse anesthetist at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and bought the horse for her daughter from a patient.
He will spend retirement at Round Hill Park in Elizabeth.
”I am a little sad but happy he will be spoiled at Round Hill Park,” said Kendall, who hadn’t seen her former horse in years. “He looks great.”
Henry was named Henry when Zahorchak purchased him.
”He was always mischievous and we would say ‘Oh, Henry,’ ” Kendall said.
Donaldson told the story of when Henry would slide the lock with his teeth on the stall gate so he could walk around the property. He often brought other horses with him.
”We called him Houdini,” Donaldson said.
Wesley J. McClellan, inspector and commander of the unit, rode in the mounted unit from 1992 until 2020, when he became inspector. He said people walking, running and enjoying the park always stop to see Henry.
Some of his fans gathered for the ceremony.
Henry was the first horse Allegheny County Police Officer Bobbie Bertalan rode.
“He is gentle and patient,” she said. “I trusted him so much I rode him when I was five months’ pregnant.”
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato presented a proclamation in honor of Henry.
“Henry’s service, strength and spirit has left a lasting impression to all who had the pleasure of knowing him,” said Innamorato. “Known for his gentle demeanor, Henry has served as a calm and steady presence in the police mounted unit, representing the very best of public service and community engagement.”
She declared May 19 as “Henry the Police Horse Day in Allegheny County.”
At the end of the ceremony, Mounted Police officers and other spectators watched — and some teared up — as Bertalan led Henry into a trailer to be taken to his retirement home at Round Hill Park.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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