In Memoriam: Batman
Wayne County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol Horse
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office regrets to announce the passing of Batman, a beloved partner of Chief Deputy Alan Moore, and member of the Mounted Patrol unit for over 20 years.
Robin's Batman was a registered paint born on May 30th, 1997. In the fall of that same year, he was purchased at an auction by then Wayne County Sheriff's Office Reserve/Mounted Patrol Deputy Alan Moore. Deputy Moore was immediately captivated by Batman's exceptional temperament, so much so that he didn't wait for Batman to enter the auction ring. Without hesitation and without negotiating, Deputy Moore purchased Batman for the asking price of $2,000.
From an early age, Batman began his training with the Wayne County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol unit. Before he was even old enough to be ridden, he participated in nuisance training alongside the other horses. By the time Batman reached 5 years of age, Deputy Moore was actively utilizing Batman in the Mounted Patrol. Batman quickly became known as one of the most "unflappable" horses in the unit.
Throughout his service, Batman participated in a wide range of activities, including lost person searches, parades, community policing, and even patrols in downtown Richmond during the crime spikes of 2004 and 2005. His presence was also felt at numerous public events such as Safety Village's Safety Kamp and the Wayne County Fair, where he left a lasting impression on the community. Many still remember him fondly, with children who once petted or rode him continuing to ask about him years later.
Batman trained with some of the best in the field, including the Indianapolis Mounted Police Unit, the Great Lakes Mounted Patrol Association, and the Lexington Mounted Symposium, among others. His calm and collected demeanor made him an excellent ambassador for the Sheriff's Office, always able to connect with the public in a meaningful way.
In August of 2024, Batman suffered a debilitating leg injury, likely due to bone spurs. Despite the best efforts to save him, the difficult decision was made to humanely put him down. On August 22nd, 2024, Batman was laid to rest on the very property where he had grown up under the care and love of Chief Deputy Moore.
Batman's legacy will endure in the hearts of those who knew him, and his contributions to the Wayne County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol unit will never be forgotten. - Chief Deputy Alan Moore
