Celebrating a Remarkable Career: IMPD Mounted Patrol Horse Maddie Retires After 17 Years of Service
One of Indianapolis’ most beloved police horses is hanging up her badge — Maddie, a longtime member of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Mounted Patrol, is stepping into a well-earned retirement after 17 years of dedicated service.
From Louisiana to Indianapolis
Born in 2005, Maddie is a striking Percheron–Dutch Warmblood cross who started her life within Angola Prison’s highly regarded horse breeding and training program in Louisiana. Departments across the country relied on this program to prepare strong, capable horses for mounted units—and Maddie was one of their finest.
She joined IMPD in 2008, beginning what would soon become a truly exceptional career.
A True Transformation
Like many young horses entering city service, Maddie’s first years weren’t always easy. She was “flighty” and often a challenge during the city’s largest and loudest events. She wasn’t the horse for new riders—at first.
But as Maddie matured, everything changed. She gained confidence, mastered her environment, and quickly became one of IMPD’s most reliable and courageous mounts.
Her fellow officers often joked:
“You could send your grandma downtown on Maddie and she would be just fine.”
From anxious rookie to steadfast leader—Maddie’s transformation is a testament to her intelligence, resilience, and heart.
A Resume Like No Other
Maddie has seen and done it all in Indianapolis:
Colts games
Pacers games
Parades and conventions
The Indianapolis 500
… and countless community events where she connected with Hoosiers and visitors from around the world.
Leader. Teacher. Herd Boss.
Within the barn, Maddie has long served as the leader of the herd—a role not every horse can claim.
New horses learned faster simply by being near her. When faced with loud crowds or unexpected “spooky” situations, they watched her steady response and followed her lead.
With Maddie retiring, the IMPD Mounted Patrol is saying goodbye not only to a dependable partner, but to an outstanding mentor and trainer for future generations of police horses.
A Beautiful Retirement Ahead
Maddie will enjoy her golden years in the loving care of one of the IMPD’s veterinarians who fell in love with her while caring for the unit. Maddie will spend her days roaming 25 acres of lush pasture—and will always have top-tier veterinary support if needed.
IMPD ensures every retired mount receives the best possible home. These horses have carried and protected officers for years—they’ve earned a peaceful retirement as cherished “pasture ornaments.”
A Legacy That Deserves Respect
Maddie’s 17 years of service make her one of IMPD’s longest-tenured horses ever. She showed up day after day for major city assignments—experiences that most horses could never handle. It takes a special kind of strength and spirit to serve as a mounted patrol horse in a major city, and Maddie exemplified that strength.
Her IMPD family will miss her presence, her leadership, and her partnership.
Thank you, Maddie
for your courage, your service, and the thousands of smiles you brought to Indianapolis.
Enjoy those green pastures. You’ve earned them.
