New RNC horse Dr. Rich named after late son of Lt.-Gov. Frank Fagan

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has a new member for its mounted unit. 

The horse, named Dr. Rich, made his first public appearance at the RNC stables on Government House grounds in St. John's Tuesday.

Dr. Rich was donated by Lt.-Gov. Frank Fagan and his wife Patricia, and was named after their son Richard, who died from cancer in 2012.

Fagan says his son always had a lot of respect for the constabulary and its mounted unit. 

"It's been a real pleasure and certainly, we feel, a pleasure to be able to participate in the provisioning of this latest to our mounted unit," he said.    

"It's a real honour to participate today and to help introduce Dr. Rich."

Originally from Prince Edward Island, Dr. Rich, 4, is expected to serve with the mounted unit for the next 20 years.

RNC Const. Jason Coombs said finding the right horse to patrol the streets of St. John's is harder than it looks.

"We're looking for a certain age — a horse that's around four to six years old, a certain size and temperament," he said.

"We are going to have him around for a good long time."