The four members of the RNC’s Mounted Unit—two Percherons and two Clydesdales—are settling in well after being moved to a new facility a few weeks ago.

Chief Joe Boland says the horses were moved from their paddock and stable near Government House to a new complex at the Rainbow Riders site on Mount Scio Road.

He wasn’t there for the first day, but was told it was a “spectacle.” He says the horses are very much enjoying their new indoor arena and paddock.

Chief Boland says the old facility wasn’t ideal for the horses, especially in the winter months when they can’t get the right amount of exercise, but they will be moved back in the summer when it’s safe for them to be ridden around city streets.

He says back in the fall of 2019, one of their horses, Dr. Rich became sick and had to be moved to a stable in the Goulds with an indoor arena that resulted in a significant improvement to his health.

That got them thinking about the other horses and the effort began to get the animals a spot where they can get the appropriate level of exercise during the winter months.

Earlier story
Those travelling Circular Road in St. John’s in recent weeks may have noticed a notable absence in the paddocks on Government House grounds.

Members of the RNC’s mounted unit have moved.

The four draft horses—two Percherons and two Clydesdales—have proven to be popular additions to the Constabulary’s community programming.

Draft horses were bred for heavy farm work but are also used in policing because their sheer size can help with crowd control. Because of their stature, they are prone to foot and leg problems if they are not properly exercised and their weight is not controlled.

The massive animals have moved out of their stable and paddock on Circular Road to a new complex at Rainbow Riders on Mount Scio Road.

Details on the move are expected to be announced in the coming days.