Zeb’s Story!

Name: Zeb
Breed: Mustang and Belgian Cross
Color: Bay
Height: 16.3 hands
Sex: Gelding
Arrival: Spring 2021
DOB: 2003

Zeb worked for the Amish as a cart horse until he was rescued by his owner at an auction in 2012. She knew he was destined for great things and donated him to the Raleigh Police Department where he began a career of serving the capital city of North Carolina.

Police horses are ‘officers’ and put through extensive training, including how to overcome every basic instinct they possess. For example, they learn to not run, jump, or kick in unpredictable scenarios or around loud noises such as traffic, gunfire, or sirens. Training also includes ‘desensitizing’ so they can walk through water of unknown depths, touch unfamiliar things, jump up to 18” on demand and walk over material they would normally fear, like logs or plastic. They are also trained to use their body as a ‘moving wall’ and other crowd-control measures.

“Zeb is like that big teddy bear,” says his former police partner, Dawn. “But he also knew how to do his job.” Dawn and the rest of the officers are so excited for Zeb to begin his most important job ever: As a healing partner for hurting kids.

Zeb exists to wholly love and be loved. He is our biggest horse and the most tenderhearted. His way to greet kids is to lower his big head right down into their arms. He has stood for long periods of time while kids hug him and will even allow them to wrap their arms around his head. He holds kids in a way that no one else can.