Steady Simcoe Signs Off

After 16 years with the Mounted Unit, Simcoe has left the stable onto greener pastures.

The Percheron Cross was acquired in 2006 and was retired in early June.

His full-time rider, Constable Dave Moore rode him for the last time alongside other police horses.

“This is a bittersweet day for me,” he said after his shift ended. “It is sad to see him go, but he’s going into a well-deserved retirement. It was a good last ride as the weather was not too hot which made it a nice way for him to finish.”

Moore has known Simcoe for about eight years.

“However, I was assigned him for about two years,” he said. “I got to know him quite well. He was one of our steady and older horses on the road who has been through a lot in the city. He was very reliable, consistent and someone you could always count on.”

Superintendent Tim Crone was at the unit as a staff sergeant when Simcoe arrived.

“I gravitated to him and Royal because they were bigger and I liked the bigger horses,” he said. “I developed a great bond with him. He was very calm, brave and protective of his space. He was one of the lead horses we put up front because of his bravery.”

Sgt. Kristopher McCarthy, who has been at the Mounted Unit for 22 years, helped Simcoe transition into the Service.

“He has been an incredible animal for us and has served very well,” he said. “During his time, he has attended every major event in the city, including every Queen’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack, the Raptors 2019 championship parade, Santa Claus parades and Caribbean Carnivals. He has probably got the smoothest trot I have ridden in my life.”

Simcoe will be retired to a farm in cottage country.