How New Vocations’ Standardbreds Are Finding New Purpose as Police Horses in Memphis — and Beyond

So Be It (Officer Carl Johnson), Iam Bonasera (Officer Kelvin Briggs), Best Said (Officer Karla Dunlap)

When a racehorse’s career ends, it doesn't mean the end of its usefulness, or purpose. At New Vocations Horse Adoption, that belief has become reality for a growing number of Standardbreds — the quiet, durable athletes who are moving off the track and into mounted patrols. Cities like Memphis, Tennessee, and several others are discovering what New Vocations has known for years: Standardbreds make excellent riding partners when given deliberate retraining, thoughtful matching, and ongoing support.

Why Standardbreds are natural-born partners for mounted patrols

Standardbreds are sometimes overlooked by the general public (they’re harness racers, not the Thoroughbreds we see at the Kentucky Derby), but their physical and mental traits are a great fit for so many things including urban policing:

• Calm, steady temperaments. Years of being handled, tacked, and raced in close quarters produce horses that tolerate noise, crowds, and nearby activity better than many other breeds.

• Workmanlike stamina. Built for endurance and repeated effort, Standardbreds carry their weight comfortably and can stand long shifts under saddle or on patrol without losing focus.

• Sound feet and movement. Their robust conformation and sensible stride make them sure-footed on pavement, in parks, and across uneven urban terrain.

• Trainability and willingness. Smart and people-oriented, many Standardbreds respond well to new cues and enjoy structured work — ideal for the repeated patterns of police training.

• Size and presence without intimidation. They are large enough to give officers a commanding presence but often less imposing than some draft crosses, which helps in community engagement roles.

Those characteristics blend into a mounted patrol horse that can navigate busy streets, remain composed during events or demonstrations, and act as a visible, calming public-safety presence.

How New Vocations bridges the gap from racetrack to mounted patrol

Turning a race-trained Standardbred into a dependable police mount takes more than saddling a former racer. New Vocations makes that transition practical and sustainable through a multi-step approach:

1. Comprehensive intake & evaluation. Each horse receives a full veterinary check and behavioral assessment. New Vocations evaluates suitability for riding jobs, temperament around people, and any training or health issues needing attention.

2. Rehab and maintenance. Many retirees need time to recover from the intensity of racing — a chance to regain weight, settle mentally, and address minor injuries. New Vocations uses experienced grooms, trainers, vets and farriers to bring horses to a sound, comfortable baseline.

3. Structured retraining. Skilled trainers reintroduce saddles, bridles, and riding cues in a low-stress setting. Retraining focuses on desensitization (traffic noise, sirens, bicycles, camera flashes), steadying transitions, and the specific maneuvers required for police work (standing quietly for public interaction, controlled movement through tight spaces, and steady behavior in crowds).

4. Real-world exposure. Horses are gradually exposed to city sounds, large groups, different surfaces (concrete, puddles, parking lots), and the sight of vehicles and motorcycles. This step is crucial for ensuring the horse will remain calm and reliable in active urban settings.

5. Careful matching. New Vocations prioritizes matching horses to the right agency and rider. Mounted units vary in their needs: some seek a steady community-engagement mount, others need a more experienced animal for crowd control. Matching temperament to role — and to the officer — dramatically improves long-term success.

6. Post-placement support. New Vocations doesn’t simply place a horse and walk away. They provide follow-up advice, training support, and a network of equine professionals to consult if challenges arise, helping agencies keep their mounts healthy and mission-ready.

   An officer riding Best Said gives a traffic citation.

Memphis as a model — and momentum for other cities

Memphis has been one of the municipalities that embraced the model of rehoming retired Standardbreds into law enforcement roles. By collaborating with New Vocations, local mounted units have been able to identify horses whose temperaments align with community policing, training them for the realities of patrolling city streets, parklands, and public events.

That success has inspired other cities to look to Standardbreds as a practical and community-forward option for expanding or replenishing their mounted units. The advantages are clear: an ethical pathway for retired racehorses, cost-savings compared with purchasing purpose-bred mounts, and strong community goodwill when citizens learn that former athletes from the track are now serving the public.

Benefits beyond policing

Mounted patrols do more than enforce laws — they build relationships. Horses naturally draw people in; an officer on horseback can de-escalate tense situations, provide approachable community engagement, and offer visibility in a way patrol cars can’t. For the horses themselves, the new role provides structure, purpose, and consistent care — a dignified second career that rewards the animal’s cooperation with a stable life and ongoing attention.

A win for horses, officers, and the community

New Vocations’ model shows that sometimes the best new role for a retired athlete is the one where it continues to serve people in a different — but equally meaningful — way. Standardbreds bring steady hearts and dependable work ethic to mounted patrols, and when organizations like New Vocations guide the transition, everyone benefits: horses gain loving, useful second careers; police departments gain reliable, approachable partners; and communities gain safer, more engaged public spaces.

Want to learn more about specific horses available for retraining, adoption, or sponsorship? Visit New Vocations’ website or reach out to our team to find out how you can be part of a track-to-streets success story including the one below. 

War Horse Iam Bonasera: Still on Active Duty

By Dot Morgan

Iam Bonasera fits every definition of a war horse. With a racing career that spanned nine years, 162 starts, 52 wins, and $863,698 in earnings, he’s more than just a champion—he’s a survivor. More impressively, Bonasera is proving to be a lifer, not just a one-termer, in a career that has now taken him from the racetrack to the streets of Memphis.

Purchased as a yearling from Cottonwood Farm, Iam Bonasera was initially owned by a Diamond Creek Farm partnership that included Mystical Marker Farms and John Carver. Within months, Diamond Creek sold their share to Jack and Peggy Hood. The son of Cole Muffler quickly rose to prominence, being named Illinois’ Two- and Three-Year-Old Pacer of the Year under the new ownership.

As Bonasera entered his four-year-old season, John Carver bought out his partners and brought in Bert Hochsprung. Over the following years, the partnership structure changed several times while the classy gelding competed at Balmoral, Hoosier Park, and the Meadowlands. He earned significant money for his connections—but he also bore the battle scars that come with it.

As his career started to wind down it was Tom Lazzaro and trainer Trace Tetrick that made the decision to send the gallant war horse to New Vocations in the summer of 2017. 

 “Iam Bonasera transitioned to riding just like we’ve come to expect from horses with that many starts and such racing class,” says Winnie Nemeth, Standardbred Program Director at New Vocations. “They’re professionals. We love having them. These are the horses we absolutely need to protect.”

But Bonasera wasn’t done serving.

From Racetrack to Patrol

After a period of rehabilitation and under-saddle training, Iam Bonasera found a new calling: public service. He was adopted by the Memphis Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Division, joining fellow Standardbreds Best Said, So Be It, and Custom By Design as part of an initial group brought in by Lt. Felipe Boyce.

Lt. Boyce learned about New Vocations at East Tennessee’s renowned “Racking on the Edge” event. A Standardbred owner himself, he strongly encouraged his department to consider adopting retired Standardbred racehorses for the mounted unit emphasizing their tolerant disposition, smooth gait and durability. It’s a decision that has benefitted all the parties involved.

Over the years, the Memphis Police Dept. has added four additional New Vocations Standardbreds to the original group. The Mounted Patrol Unit now includes:

• Iam Bonasera (2007 gelding by Cole Muffler) – 162 starts / $863,000
  
• Best Said (2011 gelding by Well Said) – 65 starts / $227,000
  
• So Be It (2007 gelding by Western Ideal) – 222 starts / $134,000
  
• Custom By Design (2013 gelding by Conway Hall) – Qualified / $0
  
• JK Captain Jack (2016 gelding by Captaintreacherous) – 23 starts / $47,000
  
• Cherry Cola (2013 gelding by Crazed) – 41 starts / $31,000
  
• Professional (2018 gelding by Canyon Wind) – 17 starts / $16,000
  
• Mr. Nixon (2016 gelding by Malicious) – 50 starts / $28,000

Bridging Communities with Horses 

Lt. Robert Hence of the Memphis Police Department recently shared about their involvement with New Vocations and the important function their Mounted Unit performs.

The Mounted Patrol began its partnership with New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program eight years ago, marking a significant commitment to both animal welfare and community engagement. Currently, we proudly care for ten Standardbreds, eight from New Vocations, whose ages range from four to sixteen years. 

The Memphis Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit has gained a reputation for being in high demand due to its vital role in maintaining public safety and fostering community relations. Over the years, we have been actively involved in a variety of events, including horse shows, crowd control at high-profile sporting events, concerts, parades, protests, and weekly activities on Beale Street. Additionally, we participate in school career days and traffic enforcement, further expanding our outreach within the community.

Our horses play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the public and the police department. By riding through different neighborhoods, we are able to engage with residents who might not otherwise interact with law enforcement or experience the joy of being around horses. We often see children eagerly approaching our horses, and we encourage them to touch and interact with these gentle creatures. Many of our horses are former racehorses, and it is heartwarming to see their transformation into calm, approachable mounts that can connect with people of all ages. 

Attending career days with our horses is particularly rewarding. These interactions provide an opportunity for students to learn about both the equine and law enforcement world. For our horses, it’s essential to be well-adjusted to crowds and capable of handling the structured chaos that often accompanies large events. They must remain calm and patient, especially when interacting with children in school settings.

Our assigned teams of Standardbred partners and their riders mainly patrol downtown Memphis, where they also perform the necessary duty of issuing citations for parking violations. While receiving a citation is rarely a pleasant experience for anyone involved, we’ve found that people are often more understanding and cooperative when approached from atop a horse. The unique perspective of being mounted often facilitates positive interactions, allowing us to maintain order while also fostering goodwill.

Mr. Nixon (W.C. Handy) and I have had the pleasure of riding along the historic Beale Street and attending several football games. During these outings, we frequently receive inquiries from curious onlookers about how we've trained our horses to exhibit such calm demeanor. Our response is simple: the exceptional training provided by New Vocations is fundamental. Their team expertly prepares the horses for their roles in the Mounted Patrol, ensuring they are not only well-trained but also ready to thrive in a bustling urban environment. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to both equine welfare and enhanced community relations.

A Lasting Legacy

Lt. Felipe Boyce who initially convinced the department to use Standardbreds for their mounted unit, is now Major Felipe Boyce, Assistant Commander of the Organized Crime Unit. He is no longer an active part of the Mounted Patrol but when approached about this story he said he would have Lt. Robert Hence get back with me, and added, “But I will share this with you ... your horses have had an amazing impact on the city of Memphis!” 

And so, Iam Bonasera continues his life of service—not on the racetrack, but on the streets of Memphis, where he's still earning admiration and respect with every steady step.

Christmas Season Patrol Lt to Rt: Custom By Design (Officer Corderrious Stone), Professional (Officer Tedetrion Woods), Iam Bonasera (Officer Kelvin Briggs), Mr. Nixon (Sergeant Karen Lancaster)