Committee accepts donation for MNPD mounted patrol; members ask about horses, deployment and facilities

The Budget and Finance Committee on Tuesday approved RS2025-1040, a resolution accepting a donation of trained horses from the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for use by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department mounted patrol.

Council member Cortez asked how many horses the department currently has and where they are utilized. Chris Gilder of the Metro Nashville Police Department said, "I believe the number is 6 or 7," and that he would provide the exact number to the council later. Gilder described multiple uses for the horses: "A lot of times, special events ... they—re a good community engagement tool ... they—re very good for being able to see up and over crowds and around parking lots ... often used to supplement parks ... rescue operations, getting back into ... communities that may be out in the woods where it's a little harder to get to."

Council member Evan Siegel asked whether the mounted unit remains at Ellington; Gilder said operations moved from Ellington and are now at a consolidated location with Parks at Peeler Park. Council members asked about facilities and space for any additional horses; Gilder said the site is suitable and adequate for the unit's needs.

The chair recorded the motion as carrying 9 in favor, 0 against and 0 not voting.

Why it matters: donations to the mounted unit affect MNPD—s community-engagement and crowd-management capabilities and require adequate facilities for animal care and deployment.

What's next: MNPD will accept the donation and continue operations at the consolidated facility with Metro Parks; staff said they will confirm and provide exact horse inventory numbers to the committee.