Escaped pony leads police on wild chase through streets of major California city: ‘Hold your horses!’

Police in San Jose spent one of their nights this week chasing not murder suspects or grab-and-run thieves — but a missing Shetland pony.

The police department shared photos and video of the incident that occurred Thursday night, when patrol officers got a call of the tiny horse running on the loose.

Officers spotted the animal trotting around the neighborhood, and dashcam video showed the pony, no taller than a human, working a small gait in the middle of a residential street.

Meanwhile, the police car slowly trailed behind it.

Pictures of the aftermath of the “chase” show three officers posing behind the dark brown pony with its blonde mane. Another photo shows an officer reaching out to pet the horse in the middle of what looks like a park.

“Through some investigative work, Officers eventually found the owner, who was quite relieved to have the pony returned after it had escaped the night before,” the department said.

“We are glad this little adventure seeker is back home safe and done hoofin’ around.”

Shetland ponies are a small, muscular breed that originated in Scotland and can make good outdoor pets.

They make excellent, hardy, and highly intelligent pets, but they require the same level of commitment, space, and veterinary care as a full-sized horse, according to veterinary experts.

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