From Lambton County to Ashton, Ontario, OPP officers are wrangling more than criminals — they're wrangling horses too!
Earlier this month, Lambton County residents saw a bit of unexpected horsepower trotting through Enniskillen Township—minus the engine.
According to OPP West Region, officers were called out to rescue a loose horse that had taken itself on a brisk winter outing.
Under the category, "other related duties", officers went into action to keep both the community and the wandering equine safe, managing to wrangle the horse and return it safely home. As the OPP put it, “Just another day in Lambton County. With the recent weather being a little less frigid than last week and feeling more inviting, this four-legged explorer decided it was the perfect day to head out and see what Enniskillen Township had to offer,” the Facebook post said.
The post continued with praise for the officers’ quick response: “Officers responded to ensure the safety of both the public and the horse, safely wrangling the curious adventurer and reuniting it with its owner. Another example of how safety remains the priority, no matter the call for service.”
But Lambton County was not the only place where horses decided fences were more of a suggestion than a rule this winter.
On January 28, OPP East Region—near Ashton, Ontario—found themselves on a similar mission, this time searching for the owner of four horses discovered trotting freely along McLinton Road between Ashton Station Road and McCaffrey. Their post read: “If you recognize them, let the owner know. If they are yours, please come and round them up.”
Fortunately, the power of social media galloped to the rescue. Facebook followers quickly identified the owners and alerted them that their horses were out on an unscheduled adventure.
Later in the day, the OPP confirmed a happy ending: the horses were back home where they belonged. They also thanked the public for their help in connecting all the right people.
It seems Ontario’s horses are making the most of the milder winter moments—and keeping the OPP on their toes. Whether it’s a curious wanderer or a small herd out for a stroll, officers continue to show they are ready for anything.