There’s no horsing around by George. After spending a decade as one of the first horses to serve with the Bethlehem Mounted Police, George retired. But he wasn’t keen on it, so he’s back in the saddle again, this time providing equine therapy.

His new home is at Equi-librium, a nonprofit that provides healing through horses by implementing equine-assisted services to help individuals with physical, developmental and behavioral challenges.

Nestled on an 18-acre historic farm in Nazareth, Equi-librium is located near the picturesque Jacobsburg State Park. A perfect setting for George to gallop into a new way to serve.

“It’s a real honor to have George here in our programs, one we take very seriously,” Jessie Shappell, executive director of Equi-librium, said on a recent July morning as George stood nearby in his stall, snacking on hay.

“He is loved by so many in the community,” Shappell said. “We’re responsible to the community that he is happy and healthy in his job.”

Meet George

George is an 18-year-old Percheron Cross horse with personality plus – he is polite, gentle and strong. Weighing in at 1,700 pounds, he is the largest of the herd at Equi-librium.

“George likes to work. Full retirement wouldn’t have suited him,” Shappell said, explaining his work at Equi-librium is not as active as his police work, but he likes interacting with people.

Shappell said because of his police training, George is used to sudden movements, loud noises and big crowds, “so he comes into the program very businesslike, ready to work. Often our participants need that safety and stability.”

Officer Ryan Danko of the Bethlehem Mounted Patrol Unit said George retired in December 2020 due to mild arthritis “and the fact that we had younger horses ready to begin active patrols. We decided it was best to retire him.

“George always had the drive to work, and even after retirement, while living on the property, I would utilize him for simple non-exhaustive training like basic and tactical formation work with the other horses,” Danko said.

Police noticed he still enjoyed being ridden. It gave him a great sense of pride and purpose as he was being used to mentor younger horses.

“I think what stood out about George was his stoic nature,” Danko said.

George was one of the original Mounted Patrol Service mounts from 2010 and was always known for his imposing look though he engaged with the community.

“Over the decade of George’s service to the citizens of Bethlehem, he has performed just about all that is required of a Police Service Mount; everything from patrolling neighborhoods and parks, the crowd management of large scale festivals to include Musikfest and Celtic Fest, community engagement such as school visits and attending events inside and outside of the city, to the patrolling of the Historic and Arts districts which he became so well known for,” Danko said.

Shappell said George came to Equi-librium in December 2022 and began training with Equine Operations Director Kimberly Gapinski.

“He was ready to integrate into programs in the spring,” Shappell said. “George primarily participates in Adaptive Riding, which is geared toward riders with physical, developmental and behavioral challenges. He also participates in Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Yoga, which helps riders to build core strength and relaxation.”

Shappell said veterans, emergency service personnel and servicemen and women seem to bond with George. “They find a strong connection to him, having that background.

“George loves being the center of attention,” Shappell said. “He goes into the arena ready to work and knows that he is a bit of a local celebrity. He’s confident; the boss in his field.

“He knows when to show off and then bring it back – he’s smart,” Shappell said.

“He’s gentle and calm with autistic adults and teens, then can show off and smile for the camera.”

At camp

The second week of July was different for George, as he was involved in the Summer Horsemanship Camp instead of his regular programs.

The camp offers an inclusive experience providing campers of all ages and abilities the opportunity to ride and learn about horses. Activities include riding, grooming, groundwork, games, horse care, communication, educational and horse-related activities.

Shappell said the camp is inclusive and open to the community, including those with disabilities. “Most are also enrolled in other programs, and the camp brings them all together for a fun and educational horse experience.

“Summer Horsemanship Camp was new to him, and he loved the campers. Due to his large stature, George typically works with adults and teenagers, so getting to interact with children was a change for him.

“George is in his glory when he gets attention from the kids,” Shappell said.

George arrived at his new home at Equi-librium thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Bethlehem Mounted Police, a not-for-profit corporation formed in 2012.

“We were saddened when George was no longer able to perform the tasks of being a police horse,” said Diane Mack, president of FBMP. “He was an icon for sure, and even still today, folks ask for him. We were determined to find the best fit for George in his retirement. It wasn’t about what we wanted; it was about meeting his needs.”

Mack said they examined several options, but it wasn’t until the opportunity for him to join Equi-librium arose that they found a perfect retirement for him.

“If you knew George, you knew that he was very proud to work, and to have him join their therapy program was a win for everyone. He is not a horse that would be happy living out his days in a pasture. He is social, and to be able to continue to serve the community in a reduced capacity was where he would thrive.

“It all happened from a longtime friendship between our board member, Carol Saeger, and Pat Saylor, who created this equine therapy program many years ago,” Mack said. “

They met with the team and agreed that George would thrive under their care and direction.

“We are so proud that he is able to continue serving the community in another valuable capacity,” Mack said.

Mack said FBMP supports the Bethlehem Police Department’s Mounted Unit by providing horses for their use in law enforcement and community relations without any burden to city taxpayers.

“The FBMP is 100 percent volunteer and we are generously supported by members of our community who value the Mounted Unit, law enforcement and Asa, Grey, Casper, Séamus, Mason and Star of Bethlehem,” Mack said.

“George served his community faithfully as one of the original horses when the unit was reinstated after a 65- year hiatus. His stature and imposing presence in the city made him a favorite among children and adults, visitors and residents,” Mack said.

“We are honored to have the privilege of caring for him over the years.”

It’s easy to understand the enthusiasm so many people have for George.

Sir Winston Churchill said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of man.”

George certainly personifies those words with every trot he takes.