Cop Horse Whoopi-ng it up

http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/2006/08/20/2006-08-20_cop_horse_whoopi-ng_it_up.html

COP HORSE WHOOPI-NG IT UP
BY ALISON GENDAR DAILY NEWS POLICE BUREAU CHIEF

Sunday, August 20th 2006, 7:06AM


THE NYPD HORSE injured when he bolted into traffic had to give up police work, but he's now living large on a farm owned by actress Whoopi Goldberg.

Ferguson, a 14-year-old gelding, was one of two retired police horses the actress adopted.

A spokesman for Goldberg confirmed she's given two NYPD mounts a new home, but declined to discuss any details about her generous offer.

"Ferguson's living the good life as a lawn ornament - no work, just pure retirement," a police source said.

Ferguson was hit by two cars in February when he bolted into traffic near W. 24th St. and Ninth Ave. in Chelsea.

His handlers were puzzled by the sudden panic attack because he was known as a calm and steady presence ever since he joined the NYPD in 1999, cops said at the time.

But any animal can bolt when spooked, and Ferguson's regular rider was not at the reins that day.

He suffered a broken nose and a hairline jaw fracture, and had to put up with a tracheotomy tube to help him breathe while his nose healed.

After he recuperated, doctors and mounted officers decided it was best for him to retire.

In the past, retired police mounts have been sent to a farm upstate. That arrangement was scrapped once cops realized the farmer was reneging on part of the deal by making the retired beasts do some work to earn their keep.

Goldberg agreed to the terms that retired NYPD mounts are truly retired - and don't have to work.

Ferguson was treated at Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center in Ringoes, N.J., which treats injured steeds from across the country.