For the horses with the U.S. Park Police Mounted Patrol, who assist with crowd control and provide positive public interactions in Washington D.C., New York City, and San Francisco, there really is no such thing as a "typical day at the office." And for over 15 years, a Percheron/Quarter Horse gelding named Tedi has handled everything his Washington D.C. unit has thrown at him. From supporting public safety during events and demonstrations, to teaching new officers the ropes of mounted patrol, to interacting with children, adults with disabilities, veterans, and first responders through equine-assisted services, "Tedi always showed up for the mission with a good mindset."
"That sentence encapsulates the core of his legacy," explains Tedi's human colleague and former Commander of the Mounted Patro[TW1.1]l, Lieutenant Anna Rose. "Horses with this mix of temperament, longevity, and cross-discipline reliability are rare. Tedi's record is a model for what a service horse can accomplish in both measurable and deeply human ways."
During his tenure with the U.S. Park Police, Tedi has proven to be a dependable, steady, and highly skilled horse whose calm demeanor and versatility have made him a cornerstone of multiple programs. He has taught hundreds of patrol recruits balance, control, and confidence while in the saddle. But equally important, he has helped those same officers learn how to stay calm under stress - a transferable skill that has improved decision-making during high-pressure public safety events. And when those new officers learned to operate safely on city streets - dealing with traffic, loud noises, and crowds - they relied on Tedi's unflappable temperament; when the recruits were ready for more advanced training, his steadiness allowed instructors to introduce tactical skills and real-world scenarios with reduced risk and greater trainee confidence. Thanks to Tedi's contributions, new patrol officers gained essential skills more quickly and with fewer setbacks during their early ride experiences.
"Trainers repeatedly cite horses like Tedi as essential for turning theoretical classroom knowledge into confident field performance," says Rose. "His practical contributions have measurably strengthened the mounted unit's operational preparedness and community policing capacity."
When Tedi was "off duty" with the patrol, he was often "on duty" with various equine-assisted programs, where his gentleness and reliability made him an ideal partner for therapeutic clinicians.
"Riders coping with physical or emotional challenges have relied on Tedi's steadiness to reclaim confidence, reduce anxiety, and practice motor skills," says Rose. "Often described as ‘Steady Tedi,' he approaches every situation - whether in busy city environments, on trails, or in training sessions - with patience and confidence. He is highly people-oriented, eager to please, and responds well to both novice and experienced handlers."
Tedi's contributions to public demonstrations, outreach events, and volunteer programs have strengthened the public's connection to both mounted policing and equine-assisted wellness; in turn, he helped humanized law enforcement and broadened community engagement. Through his various roles, it is conservatively estimated that Tedi has made a direct positive impact on over a thousand individuals during his career. In addition to receiving multiple unit and program commendations for reliability and service, Tedi and his colleagues were recognized at the 2025 Washington International Horse Show with the WIHS Honor and Service Award.
"For his unparalleled combination of steadiness, versatility, and service to both public safety and community well-being, Tedi deserves the highest recognition," says Rose. "He is a horse who taught people how to ride, helped people heal, represented his unit with dignity on national stages, and quietly carried countless riders through difficult moments. Tedi has given a lifetime of faithful work; this recognition celebrates the deep human-equine bond he fostered, and sets a lasting example for the value of service horses everywhere."
