Volunteering with police horses a dream come true for young Calgarian

“Nice and short strokes, with a little flicking motion,” Calgary Police Const. Reto Aeschlimann instructed. “That takes all the loose hair out.”

Aeschlimann is with the Calgary Police Service’s mounted patrol, helping David Nicholson brush up on his grooming technique.

They’re working together on Buddy, a 14-year-old police horse.

It’s one of Nicholson’s regular duties as a volunteer with Calgary police, something he’s been enjoying for the past two-and-a-half years.

Looking on, it’s a proud moment for his mom, Barbara, especially considering the challenges he’s faced in life including cerebral palsy and “a major problem with seizures.”

“I’m just so happy for him. He has wanted to be involved with the Calgary police since he was just a little boy, and so it’s been so exciting for him to have this opportunity.”

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Turning 21 in August, David’s looking forward to returning to classes at Mount Royal University in September, studying criminal justice.

“He would love one day to have a job with the Calgary police,” Barbara said.

“So many wonderful things have happened to him that we could have only dreamed of having come true,” she added. “So it’s really a miracle.”