Halifax police launch contest to corral a name for HRP’s newest police horse

HALIFAX – What’s in a name? Well this name needs to stand for bravery, dedication and (horse) power.

Put your creative thinking caps on kids, the newest Halifax Police horse needs a new name.

Garran, the newest recruit to the HRP force, has been on duty since July getting used to his new stomping grounds and completing his training.

Now that he’s ready to become a full-fledged of the HRP Mounted Unit, he needs a new name to keep with the tradition of the Mounted Unit before he can be “officially” sworn in.

Garran is five years old and is a Percheron/Thoroughbred mix. He is 16.3 hands high and has a dark brown coat.

The HRP say a white patch in the shape of a police badge in the middle of his forehead convinced them Garran was the right horse for the unit.

His partner, Const. Chris Tracey says he is “A very calm and inquisitive boy who likes to problem solve and is eager to please.”

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He also loves scratches on his forehead and the occasional treat after a long day of patrolling.

Garran is the new stablemate for Duty Sergeant (Sarge), and will take the place of Patrol Cruiser (Cruise) who retires in October.

Students in grades primary through grade 6 who currently live in the Halifax Regional Municipality are invited to think of a brave name for Garran.

To enter, students must provide the following:

• Name suggestion (no longer than six letters and with one syllable)
• Reason for choosing the name
• Your name and age
• Phone number or email address

Send your name suggestions to hrppublicrelations@halifax.ca.

The naming contest runs until November 16. The winning name will be chosen by a panel of HRP employees. The winner of the contest will get a prize pack and be invited to participate in Garran’s swearing in ceremony.