The Nashua Police Department's new Mounted Unit was established in November 2024 to enhance community relations. Courtesy photo/Friends of the Nashua Police Department Mounted Unit

NASHUA – Two draft horses, Mac and Maddie, recently joined the ranks of the Nashua Police Department to form the new Mounted Unit.

Capt. Jennifer Moriarty, president of Friends of the Nashua Police Department Mounted Unit, said the part-time unit was established in November 2024 and will be a “valuable tool for community relations.”

“We plan to primarily be involved in specialized patrols to include Mine Falls Park and specialty events,” she said. “The overwhelming support and excitement from the community has been heartwarming.”

Mac is a 14-year-old Belgian Draft horse from Deerfield. He is five-and-a-half feet tall and weighs 2,000 pounds. Belgian Drafts are widely considered the strongest horses in the world, capable of pulling up to four tons. They can also reach speeds of 25 miles per hour at a full gallop.

Maddie, 17, is a Gypsy Vanner/Shire mix and came to Nashua from Texas. She is five feet tall and weighs 1,800 pounds. Although they are slightly smaller than the Belgian Drafts, these horses are still able to pull more than one ton. They can also reach speeds of up to 30 mph.

When they are not on duty, Mac and Maddie are housed at a farm in Mason.

Moriarty said the unit currently includes herself and one other officer, both of whom are seasoned equestrians.

“As 2025 progresses, we hope to expand the unit which would include adding two new horses and four additional officers that would rotate in their patrols,” said Moriarty.

She said Mac and Maddie will also provide better accessibility in rough terrain.

“Horses have a very unique ability to get into terrain where patrol officers on foot or even bicycles may not be able to navigate, so we hope that it is a tool that will have multiple purposes in our community,” she said.

The unit is entirely funded by the Friends nonprofit organization and will not add to the Police Department’s budget.

The unit can be followed on Facebook at Friends of the Nashua Police Department Mounted Unit. The organization also has a website, www.NPDMountedUnit.com.