RIP Jay, dedicated Mass. State Police mount

Massachusetts State Police Mourn Loss of Beloved Horse Jay

A 12-and-a-half-year-old Percheron horse named Jay has passed away due to cancer complications, the Massachusetts State Police announced on Facebook. The news comes as a shock to the community, especially after Jay's impressive career with the Mounted Unit.

Jay joined the unit in March 2023 at just 10 years old and quickly became one of their top performers. At an impressive 18 hands tall, he was described by the police as "a truly reliable 'go to' horse" who excelled in patrolling across the state and competing in events. Jay even trained in Washington, D.C., and worked at Patriots games outside of Gillette Stadium.

Jay's exceptional temperament and size made him a crowd favorite wherever he went. According to the police, his "noble stature drew adults and kids to his side," and he loved the attention that came with being a main attraction. Despite his demanding schedule, Jay remained dedicated to bringing joy to others.

The Massachusetts State Police will deeply miss Jay's presence, both on and off duty. His legacy as an outstanding member of their Mounted Unit will be remembered for years to come.

Jay was like the ultimate squad mate, 12.5 yrs old is still pretty young for a horse . He did over 180 events in just 2 yrs & went from 0 to hero . Not only was he huge (18 hands tall), but also got crowds cheering whenever he'd show up . Cancer sucks tho... according to the latest stats, equine cancers have a mortality rate of around 50% .

Fun fact: horses like Jay can live for up to 25 yrs or more in captivity . The average lifespan of a police horse is about 20-22 yrs though . Did you know that the first police horses were used during the 1800s? .

awww that's so sad i feel bad for the cops who lost such a loyal companion jay was literally the best horse ever 12.5 yrs old is still pretty young for a horse tho cancer sucks anyway can we get a pic of his funeral procession? and btw did they have any fun moments on the job that are worth sharing

just saw this so sad Jay was like the whole unit on his own lol but seriously how old is 12 1/2 still kinda young for a horse, anyway he's gonna miss him, I loved those mounted cops at Gillette games

Just read about the sad news that Jay, the amazing horse from the Massachusetts State Police, has passed away . I mean, 12 and a half is old for a horse, but he still had so many good years ahead of him. It's crazy to think about all the events he competed in and worked at, like Patriots games - that's some serious dedication .

But what really gets me is how much joy Jay brought to people, especially kids. He was more than just a police horse, he was like a mascot or something . And his size, oh man, 18 hands tall is huge! You can't help but feel bad for the police unit that's going to miss him so much .

It's funny how we always talk about horses being seen as symbols of power or strength, but in this case, Jay was just a big softie who loved being the center of attention . I guess what I'm saying is, we should really appreciate our four-legged friends while they're still with us .

Jay was more than just a horse he was a hero to so many people his noble stature and gentle nature made him a crowd favorite wherever he went but sadly, cancer took him away 12.5 years young is still way too young for anyone the Massachusetts State Police will miss him dearly they're lucky to have had such an amazing horse in their team Jay may be gone but his legacy lives on and we'll never forget the joy he brought to so many people's lives

Losing someone you love is like losing a part of yourself... and I feel so bad for the whole Massachusetts State Police fam

Wow the police really got attached to that horse Jay was like a rockstar or something I mean who wouldn't love a horse that's 18 hands tall and can patrol an entire state? But seriously, it's sad he had to leave us too soon his story is so inspiring from being just 10 years old joining the unit to working at Patriots games

I'm not surprised this is happening... think about it, a horse that's been patrolling the streets for years, seeing everything, meeting everyone... must've picked up on some stuff . Maybe they should've gotten rid of him sooner. And what's with all these celebrations and events he participated in? Was it just to keep us distracted from something bigger? All I know is, whenever there's a loss like this, there's always more to the story than meets the eye...

OMG u guys I just saw the news about that horse Jay from Mass State Police he was only 12.5 yrs old but already done so much! I remember when I was a kid my grandma told me she used to volunteer at a local stable and they got horses from rescue centers... maybe this is why I feel bad for Jay? those police ppl must be heartbroken I wish they had more time with him though 18 hands tall is insane! he sounded like such a sweetheart

awww so sad to hear about Jay he was literally the coolest horse ever i mean who else gets to be a part of the mounted unit and compete in events? he had an amazing career and brought so much joy to people's lives rest in peace, Jay

awww this is so sad Jay sounds like such a beautiful boy! I'm sure he brought so much joy to the people he met, especially the kids. I mean, who wouldn't love a horse that's 18 hands tall and has such a great temperament? It's crazy that he was only 10 when he started with the police, can you believe it? They're going to miss him so much . But at least his memory will live on through all the good times he had as part of the Mounted Unit .