From Today's New York Times

To the Editor:

Re "A New Crime Fighter, for $10 in Hay and Oats" (front page, April 18):

Sherman Day Thacher, founder of the Thacher School, always said, "The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a boy." This is as true for the citizens of our cities as it is for young men and women even today.

Horses are, and have always been, magical: big, strong, beautiful, lithe—and when trained, courageous. Ironically, these fabulous beasts humanize police officers and help to lend an atmosphere of dignity and elegance to our urban streets. They are the ultimate all-terrain vehicles. They inspire awe (and fear if necessary), and nearly every kid wants to ride one, or at least pet one.

New York City is wise to make this investment. The streets will be safer; the tourists and locals will love them; the police officers will be seen for who they are: protectors, defenders and, yes, even friends.

Michael K. Mulligan
Ojai, Calif., April 18, 2006
The writer is head of school of the Thacher School.