Horse Illustrated Magazine

Charlotte was a 6-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse who worked for the Houston Police Department. The young mare was known for being a quick study as a police horse. After only two days of riding with the department, she was already reported to be “poised and confident.”

On Dec. 3, while on patrol, a noise startled her and she backed into oncoming traffic where she was hit by a concrete truck, Houston Chronicle reports. The driver was not considered at fault. The accident, however, left Charlotte’s legs severely injured. The officer riding her was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure, while his partner, Officer Ronald Curry, stayed with Charlotte, lying on the ground beside her.

The heartbreaking image of the officer with his dying horse, taken by a bystander, was soon everywhere.

The response was likely equally overwhelming to the Houston Police Department.

“We have truly been touched by the outpouring of interest and support from around the world,” Curry said in a video post on Facebook. “Because of this we wanted to make sure everyone who has expressed interest, condolences and prayers knows how much it has touched our hearts.”

Shortly thereafter, the tribute video to Charlotte, shown above, was posted. It shows where she was born, when she was a foal, her training, her graduation and the time she spent working with the department.

Charlotte served with the Houston Police Department for four years.