The Raleigh Police Department's Mounted Unit was formed as part of an ongoing effort to revitalize Raleigh’s downtown area. Created in 1989 under Chief Heineman in cooperation with the Raleigh City Council and York Properties (which owned much of the downtown area), it consisted of three horses and three riders. The first three riders were Doug Brugger, Tom Sellew, and Clarence Williams. Sabina Hayes served as an alternate rider.

 

The first areas of patrol were Moore Square Park, City Market, and the Fayetteville Street Mall. The original horse barn still stands on the corner of Person and Martin Streets.

 

Until December of 2021, when Ike passed away after an illness, the Mounted Unit had three horses: Ike, Willow, and Zeb. All three horses were donated to the Raleigh Police Department.