London's Mounted Police 1960 to 2000: a Mounted Policeman's Memories, by Andy Petter is just what the title says it is ... memories of working in London, on a horse. Over the years Mr. Petter worked in just about every part of town, and a variety of horses (some better cut out for police work than others). Funny, sad, a few tense moments .... not a bad read although I thought a bit of editing would have been nice. (Remember though, my mother was an English teacher). ;-)

William J. Keresey III is a fourth generation police officer. When he was young, he was told stories about his great-grandfather and his horse. Amazing stories, actually, of what Pompey could do. As an adult the author discovered newspaper articles that proved they were true! Pompey on Patrol: a NYC Police Horse and His Partner, Roundsman Redmond Keresey is the result of his research, and a great look back at what policing the city was like in the early 1900's. Sometimes man and horse worked separately to remedy two different situations!

I did not expect a 'vast prairie' on the west coast of the state, but it seems there was one. It was down near Tacoma and was used for years by the Nisqually Indians, the British (think Hudson Bay Company) and Americans. The horse played an important role ... there would have been lots of races, and, thanks to the Brits, fox hunts! That evolved into the Woodbrook Hunt Club. It is the oldest Hunt Club west of the Mississippi. Hunts have never involved a live fox. A scent, (with a secret formula) is laid for the hounds to follow. To learn more, read The Woodbrook Hunt Club, by Joy Keniston-Longrie. It's from the Images of America series, so expect great photos!

Reading Hermit With Dog