A rescued horse made a successful debut as the newest member of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol Unit on Sunday.
Trooper, a 7-year-old Tobiano horse, was discovered in a dilapidated barn, fighting for food with five other starving horses – and one deceased horse -- last winter.
Cpl. Sam Byrd of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office Mounted Patrol Unit said he saw something very special in Trooper, who he soon helped transform from a crime victim into a crime crusader.
The horse is no longer skittish or fearful. Trooper made his debut at the Columbus St. Patrick’s Day Parade with a strong posture and confident stride.
He and partner, Dep. Benjamin Corbitt, have been training for the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Downtown Columbus for nearly a year.
Byrd said he was amazed with the progress Trooper has made,
"Today means success for trooper that he's held on," said Byrd, "It just shows what he is.”
At Sunday’s parade, Trooper didn't flinch with balloons, buses or even the marching bands.
Corbitt said Trooper was living up to his name.
"Words can't describe how proud of him I am to see where he'll go, and it'll be absolutely amazing to watch his progress," Corbitt said.
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January 30, 2013: Newest Member Of Franklin County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol Unit Saved By Corporal After Being Abused - http://bit.ly/XT47xS
July 12, 2012: Abused, Malnourished Horse Rescued From Farm Could Become Member Of Mounted Patrol - http://bit.ly/XT4bxD