A loose horse brought traffic to a standstill in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as police and animal-control teams launched a coordinated effort to safely stop the startled animal.
The horse escaped shortly before Sunday’s Desfile de La Gente festival was scheduled to begin. Santa Fe police motorcycle officers, bicycle officers, Animal Services personnel, drone operators and several cowboys joined forces to clear the animal from the streets.
Video from the scene showed motor officers pursuing the horse as they worked to guide it away from traffic. The team eventually surrounded the animal on Canyon Road, allowing its owner to lead it back to the parade’s starting area, where it was given water before the festivities began.
After the brief disruption, the horse returned to the route and took part in the parade.
The annual Desfile de La Gente, also known as the Santa Fe Fiesta Historical/Hysterical Parade, highlights the distinctive culture and traditions of Northern New Mexico.
The event has faced serious disruption before. In 2024, a police chase and shooting near the fiesta grounds forced officials to cancel that year’s parade.
