A long-time benefactor of the Denver Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit was surprised today in a ceremony naming the patrol’s stables in her honor.
Volunteer Betty Robertson, who has purchased several horses for the patrol in recent years, thought she was taking part in an event to name a new horse today.
But officers, friends and fourth-grade students surprised Robertson, making her the center of attention instead.
“Oh, my gosh!” a breathless Robertson exclaimed as Denver police Cmdr. Deborah Dilly read from a plaque dedicating the Betty Robertson Stables.
Robertson, dressed in black with a cowboy hat and a horse-head bolo tie, said she’s been fascinated by animals since she was a little girl.
“I’ve always been an animal lover; it goes deep down,” she said.
Cpl. John Stratton of the mounted patrol said Robertson’s generosity helps the unit recruit top-quality horses.
“The quality of horses she procures for us makes a big difference,” Stratton said. “They have the right aptitude for police work.”
The patrol looks for horses between the ages of five and nine and hopes to get at least 10 years of service out of each one.
The horses should possess a calm, even demeanor, Stratton said.
The newest four-legged addition to the patrol, Magic, was named by, and introduced to, fourth-grade students of Traylor Academy.
The Traylor students, with the help of the patrol, will follow Magic’s career. Magic may even make visits to the Denver school as part of the patrol’s community-involvement program.
“He’s big!” wide-eyed student Jacob Guinn said of Magic.
Dozens of students worked their way through the stable talking to the horses and learning about saddles, spurs, ropes and other horse-riding and training equipment from patrol officers.
The patrol is made up of three Denver police officers, one civilian staffer and seven horses.
Warrior, a 27-year-old veteran patrol mount, is getting ready to retire.
Denver’s mounted patrol was formed in 1984, and it patrols the 16th Street Mall, Lower Downtown, the Central Business District as well as bike paths and parks in Denver.
The patrol also is called upon to help manage large crowds and was used during the Democratic convention in August.
Robertson stops by the stables about three times a month to feed the horses carrots, she said.
Now that it’s named after her, Robertson said, “I’ll be out here more often.”
Contributions may be made to Denver Police Mounted Patrol, 4350 S. Pierce St., Littleton 80123.
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com
