It is the goal of the Reno Police Horse Mounted Unit is to patrol assigned areas on horseback to enforce laws, prevent crimes, and protect the safety of the community they serve. To provide assistance to other units within the Reno Police Department as requested, without undue delay. To project the highest possible image to the public, and promote an atmosphere of safety and approachability.
The Reno Police Horse Mounted Unit is not intended to be a specialized unit, but a patrol unit with very special capabilities, an added tool that can be deployed in a variety of situations. While the unit is anticipated to enhance the Department’s public relations, its primary purpose is to protect the residents of our community and to help ensure that Reno is a safe tourist destination.
The history of the Mounted Unit goes back to 1668 in South Africa and extends to this day all throughout the world. The Reno Police Department reinstituted the Horse Mounted Unit in 2019 after budget reductions required its resources in other locations to serve the citizenry of Reno.
A special bond is established between the horses assigned to the Horse Mounted Unit and the riders who serve as a collateral duty. All the horses are privately owned by the riders of the unit and they spend time bonding with the horses outside of work duties. Work duties for the Horse Mounted Unit include Patrol, Special Events, Crowd Control or Civil Unrest, Community Presentations, and Ceremonial Representations.
Buddy came to Lt. Yturbide from a ranch in the area of Yreka, California. Buddy is a 16-2, 1600lbs Percheron/Quarter Horse Cross. Don’t let his size fool you as Buddy loves to run and has not met a thing he can’t push or pull. He is the gentle giant of the RPD Horse Mounted Unit. Buddy is 16 years old and enjoys attention from anyone and everyone. In his off duty time, Buddy enjoys scouting all the beautiful terrain of the gorgeous Nevada countryside and as many treats as he can get his lips on.
Highball was born in Minden, NV in 2013 to a local quarter horse breeder. Austin purchased him when he was three years old and trained him as a team roping horse. Highball began his police career in 2019 as one of the first Reno Police Mounted Horses since the new unit was founded. Highball has won over $6,000 in his team roping career, and continues to be a competitive athlete when he is off duty, in addition to carrying his 3 year old friend around on the weekends.
Juanita is a 15 year old quarter horse from northern California. Kevin purchased Juanita when she was 9 years old in 2015 from a large cattle ranch in Tulelake California. Juanita spent most of her life on a cattle ranch doing various cattle work. Juanita now lives with Kevin where she lives a luxurious life eating lots of yummy treats given to her by Kevin's three daughters. Juanita joined the Reno Police Horse Mounted unit in 2019 when the new unit was founded. Juanita is the only mare in the unit. Juanita acts like a mother to all the other horses and when working, she enjoys riding beside her best friend Jiggy.
Buck was born in Wellington, NV in 2006 to a local quarter horse breeder. Jet purchased him in 2018 to use him for team roping and hunting. Buck started his police career in 2020 and used a variety of assignments. Buck is at home either on top of the mountain hunting or walking downtown Reno. Buck loves Jet’s 7 year old daughter who helps warm up and ride him.
Jiggy is a 19 year old paint quarter horse. Jet purchased Jiggy from a cowboy off of Duckwater Shoshone Tribe. Jiggy was a super puncher horse in his prior life at Duckwater. Jiggy was purchased by Jet for his 15 year old son. Jiggy started his police career in 2019 as one of the first Reno Police Mounted Horse since the unit was founded. Jiggy enjoys riding beside her best friend Juanita.