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In his new life, the 13-year-old quarterhorse won't just be lolling around the pasture.
Tom will be acting as an ambassador and teacher for Mt. Hope Horse Rescue, his new home north of Manheim.
The dark-brown horse will help teach 4-H'ers, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and home-schooled students about horses. He also will visit retirement homes and participate in horse shows.
After two years on the streets of Lancaster city, Tom has the perfect temperament for his retirement gig, said Nancy Zigment, the horse rescue administrator and Tom's new owner.
"He's very, very quiet and calm," she said. "He's bomb proof."
Tom worked on a ranch in Missouri before arriving in Mount Joy, then taking on duties in the city, according to city police.
He was injured in the spring after crossing the Conestoga Creek and trying to climb a small embankment. One hoof turned under, and he tore a tendon, Zigment said.
Tom successfully completed rehabilitation, but police did not think he could take all the standing on paved streets with his foot injury, so they decided to give him to Mt. Hope Horse Rescue.
Started in 2007, the group takes in horses that need a new home as well as those that have been abused, neglected or abandoned, which has become increasingly common during the trying economy, Zigment said.
The rescue group can house up to 12 horses at its facility off Route 72, south of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair.
People may adopt a horse from the nonprofit organization after they pass a compatibility test and pay a fee.
Tom was going to be offered for adoption, but Zigment decided to take him.
"I want to work with him and use him for educational purposes," she said.
The city mounted patrol now has four horses, including a new one in training.
