Runaway horse triggers mass police response as motorcycle cops scramble to get it under control

By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-09-15 03:20:01 | Updated at 2026-09-15 04:26:30 1 hour ago

A runaway horse caused chaos in the streets of Santa Fe, prompting a significant police response to bring the wild animal to a stop.

The horse was on the loose in New Mexico just before the the city’s Desfile de La Gente festival kicked off on Sunday. The Santa Fe Police Motors, Bicycle Officers, Animal Service, UAS Drone Operators and a few cowboys worked together to get the horse safely off the road.

A video of the incident showed motor officers chasing after the horse trying to corral the animal. Finally, they were able to circle around the horse on Canyon Road, and the owner later took him back to the starting point of the parade for some water before things got started.

An aerial view shows a loose horse walking down a street with police motorcycles and cars.

The horse participated in the parade after making its return.

Aerial view of police motorcycles pursuing a loose horse on a city street.

The annual Desfile de La Gente festival, also referred to as the Santa Fe Fiesta Historical/Hysterical Parade, celebrates the unique culture of Northern New Mexico.

Two years ago, a police chase and shooting near the fiesta grounds shut down the 2024 parade.