Cleveland Police Added Miniature Ponies to Unit
The Cleveland Police Mounted Unit introduced two new miniature ponies named Valor and Grace to help connect with the public.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The Cleveland Police Mounted Unit has expanded its force by adding two miniature ponies to its team. The animals, named Valor and Grace, were donated by the Cleveland Police Foundation and will serve to facilitate community engagement.
Why it matters
The miniature ponies are intended to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public while providing stress relief for officers. By serving as a bridge for communication, the department hopes the ponies will aid in de-escalating potential conflict situations.
The Cleveland Police Mounted Unit officially added two miniature ponies to its roster following a public voting process. The acquisition size doubled from the department's initial plan to acquire only one pony.
The players
Cleveland Police Mounted Unit
This is a specialized division of the Cleveland police department responsible for patrolling using horses to maintain visibility and crowd control.
Cleveland Police Foundation
This is a non-profit organization that provides financial support and resources to the Cleveland Division of Police for community programs.
The details
The ponies were presented to the public during an official ceremony held at the department's Mounted Unit facility on East 38th Street. The names Valor and Grace were selected by the community through a competitive voting process that involved narrowing down a list of potential candidates.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: The ponies were officially introduced at a ceremony.
Legal Context
The use of animals for community outreach follows the National Association of Field Training Officers community policing guidelines. This move signals a shift in local department tactics toward relationship-building strategies rather than traditional enforcement methods.
Residents in Cleveland will see the miniature ponies interacting with the community, which may lead to more frequent opportunities for positive engagement with officers. This initiative aims to increase the approachability of local law enforcement during public appearances.
The takeaway
Integrating miniature ponies into police work provides a unique, non-threatening avenue for law enforcement to interact with the community. Residents can look forward to seeing Valor and Grace during future public events in the city.
Further reading
Learn more about local policing initiatives on our Law Enforcement page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox 8 News.
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