It's not easy controlling a horse in city traffic, much less chasing criminals on horseback. But Sgt. Donald Strother of Cleveland's Mounted Police Unit, says that's what he and and the police horses were trained to do. This year, in the wake of the city's budget crisis, the unit has been stabled, with all but one officer assigned to other duties. A group of local enthusiasts wants to save Cleveland's century-old tradition. They've already raised $100,000 towards maintaining the police stable and its 12 horses for year. Now local businessman Paul Stark says they're asking others to adopt-a-horse.
Mounted Police supporters say it costs about $60,000 a year to maintain the unit. They say any additional donations will go to the unit's trust fund. Karen Schaefer, 90.3.