Bethlehem, In The Valley, Press Release

Friends of the Bethlehem Mounted Police Host 9th Annual “Bridles & Badges” Open House



Photo Credit: Justin Madera

Event Features Official Badging Ceremony for New Mounted Police Patrol Horses, Fossor and Otto

BETHLEHEM, PA — The Friends of the Bethlehem Mounted Police (FBMP) invite the community to the 9th annual Bridles & Badges open house on Sunday, September 20, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Quadrant Private Wealth Stables, located at 615 E. Langhorne Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

The open house offers the public an inside look at the home of the City of Bethlehem’s six patrol horses. Attendees can meet police officers and horses, purchase official merchandise, enjoy local food truck fare, and watch a live riding demonstration. New this year, visitors can take fall-themed photos with a patrol horse in the round pen or on a tractor.

This year’s event marks a significant milestone as the city officially welcomes two new mounts to the herd: Fossor and Otto. Arriving in May from Asbury University in Kentucky following 3.5 years of specialized training, both horses completed summer preparation in Bethlehem and are ready to begin active service.

  • Fossor: A four-year-old, 16-hand bay Clydesdale/Thoroughbred cross, purchased and named by the David J. Heintzelman Family. “Fossor” is Latin for “Digger,” honoring the family’s legacy and David’s father, whose nickname was Digger.
  • Otto: A four-year-old, 17-hand grey Percheron/Thoroughbred cross, sponsored and named by Moravian Village of Bethlehem. He is named after Dr. John Otto, one of the first Moravian physicians in the World Heritage Community, recognizing Moravian’s historic commitment to local healthcare.

The day begins at 12:00 PM with opening ceremonies and the official badging of Fossor and Otto by the City of Bethlehem Chief of Police, Michelle L. Kott and their respective sponsors.

Event Schedule:

  • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Food Trucks (Atomic Hog BBQ, BAVTS Food Truck, Dinky’s Food Truck, Take a Taco), FBMP Merchandise Sales and vendors Mane ‘n’ Tail, Equi-Librium and Cops ‘n’ Kids open
  • 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Opening Ceremonies & Badging of Fossor and Otto
  • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Barn Open to the Public
  • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Fall Photo Opportunities in the Round Pen
  • 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Live Music
  • 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Tacking Demonstration
  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Mounted Demonstration

Admission is free and open to the public. For more details about the event or the mounted unit, visit the FBMP social media pages or website.

https://www.bethlehemmountedpolice.org/ https://www.facebook.com/BethlehemMountedPolice

The FBMP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all volunteer-run organization, whose mission is to purchase and provide the Equine Officers used by the Bethlehem Mounted Police and ensure all costs and care are provided for, to relieve the Bethlehem tax payer of any burden. 100% of all donations go to the care and well-being of the six patrol horses. For more information on making a donation or becoming a sponsor, please visit our website at https://www.bethlehemmountedpolice.org/donate or contact us at friendsofthebmp@gmail.com

Information provided to TVL by:
Marissa Zondag