SFPD Swears in Two New Police Horses to Mounted Unit 022-22

On Wednesday, December 14th, 2022, the San Francisco Police Department will swear in two new horses, Gus and Duke, as members of the Mounted Unit.  

The swearing-in will take place at 10 a.m. at the Fred C. Egan Police Stables in Golden Gate Park, adjacent to The Golden Gate Angling & Casting Club located at 1232 John F Kennedy Drive in San Francisco.  

This occasion marks a new beginning for these majestic animals as well as an end to the exhaustive search which took more than a year. Among other qualifications, SFPD policy requires that horses shall be extremely well broke and gentle, along with being of sound mind and in top physical condition. This is a process that weeds out more than 99% of potential candidate horses and makes finding suitable horses exceptionally difficult. Police horse candidates also go through a trial where they are exposed to all environments within San Francisco and receive a thorough medical examination prior to being selected.  

The officers on horseback – and their steeds – are some of our department’s best ambassadors. They supplement patrols all over the city and can often be spotted in areas such as The Embarcadero, Marina Green, The Palace of Fine Arts, China Basin, McLaren Park, Castro Street, Japantown, Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Pier 39 and more. Their height offers officers a clear view of crowded areas. The SFPD Mounted Unit is also present for every big parade.  

The SFPD has had its Mounted Patrol Unit continuously since 1864 – the second-longest stint in America after New York City.  

Photos of Gus and Duke accompany this media advisory.