Yesterday's VIP event with the Clydesdales that benefitted the New Orleans Police Department's Mounted Unit, was a treat in so many ways. As much as I love the Clydesdales, I would have to say that the NOPD Mounted Unit and their horses stole the show.
Leaving St. Louis in 1976 to come to graduate school in New Orleans, I brought my love of the Clydesdals with me. They are a part of growing up that I'm proud of. I realized yesterday, that I'm even prouder of the many years of my career that I spent working in the Criminal Justice field in the City of New Orleans since that time. It is a history that is in my blood even more than the Majestic Clydesdales.
Of course, it didn't help that my boyfriend "Tim" was on another team and not here for this year's Mardi Gras. It was the first question I asked. No Tim. I was disappointed, but still pleased that I came.
The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation did a great job of organizing most of the VIP pieces. I'd say somewhere between 75 and 100 people were separated into two groups. Half went to the Clydesdales for 30 minutes and the other half went with the NOPD for 30 minutes and then we swapped.
It was nice to: be in a smaller group; have more time with all of the horses; ask questions; take photos; and, watch the kids.
We learned a lot.
I attended the 3pm session. There was another one at 4pm, which was much fuller. Then at 5pm it's opened up to the public from 5 - 8pm.
I was pleased that my hundred dollars was going to the Mounted Unit's "in-house" breeding program that began in 2016.
They prefer a mix of draft horses with thoroughbreds or quarter horses. Percherons were mentioned as the draft horse breed.The foals are born through artificial insemination that is coordinated with the LSU Vet School.
There were two foals for us to visit: a colt Tebo Stardust; and, a philly Detroit Lady.
All in all, it was an excellent event. I'm glad I went, but in the future I think I'd be more apt to just donate $100 directly to the NOPD Mounted Unit. They are an impressive bunch.
Happy Tuesday!
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