Take a look at a full size model of one of Cleveland's Mounted Unit "Saddlebred" horses, unique to the Cleveland Police Department in the Cleveland Police Museum.

      The Cleveland Police Mounted Unit was officially established in 1911, although horses have most likely played a part in the Force since it began in 1866.

Mounted Units in History


     The mounted unit began when Police Chief Kohler went to Blot's Livery and rented 2 horses for the department. Sgt. George Matowitz was the first to lead this new unit.

     Although Sgt. George Matowitz was the first, his brother James Matowitz is actually credited as the "Father of the Cleveland Mounted Unit". James created a mounted unit drill team, initiated special uniforms and built the stables on E. 38th Street where the horses are still kept today.


The Cleveland Police Mounted
Unit Honors:

World Champs in Military
Mounted Drill 1933

Marched in President Warren G. Harding's Funeral Procession.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George Bush's Inauguration Parades.