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The Santa Fe Police Department reported that a horse scheduled to appear in the Desfile de la Gente parade escaped its handlers on September 13, leading officers on a pursuit through Santa Fe neighborhoods and along a highway. Multiple units responded to the scene, including motor officers on motorcycles, bicycle patrol, animal services and drone operators, along with several local cowboys. The department’s social media post described the effort as a community-wide collaboration to ensure the animal’s safety and prevent any traffic incidents. Officers followed the horse while community members yielded to allow safe passage.
According to an interview with NewsNation, interim Santa Fe Police Chief Ben Valdez explained that the motorcycle officers were attempting to help restrain the horse when it knocked two of them off their bikes. Valdez noted that the officers sustained no injuries and had undergone training for such scenarios. He joked that what appeared to be a chase was actually a police escort aimed at keeping the horse away from danger. The chief praised his motor officers as the best in the business for their handling of the situation.
Video footage released by the police department captured the horse being corralled on Canyon Road after an extensive effort. A lasso-carrying cowboy ultimately secured the animal, allowing its owner to take control. The department said the horse was provided with water before being walked back to the parade starting point. This quick resolution enabled the horse to participate in the event as planned.
The Desfile de la Gente, part of the annual Santa Fe Fiesta, combines historical and hysterical elements and dates back to the 1920s when the Historical Parade and a more humorous procession were merged, The Santa Fe New Mexican has reported. According to Santa Fe Fiesta Inc., the event provides fun, relaxation and cultural enjoyment while honoring the shared history and unique heritage of Northern New Mexico. It typically features marching bands, floats, politicians and community groups, drawing large crowds to downtown Santa Fe.
The Santa Fe Police Department thanked community members who yielded to the horse and accompanying motorcycles during the incident. Footage of the event, set to music including a Johnny Cash track according to Wide Open Country, quickly spread on social media. Comments reflected amusement at the Wild West-style episode unfolding in modern times.
Such incidents highlight the challenges of managing animals in urban parade settings though this one concluded without harm to the horse or public, the police department said. The multi-agency approach demonstrated effective coordination between police, animal control and civilian helpers. Valdez indicated that the horse and owner completed their parade duties successfully following the capture.
