Brigadier: Gentle Hero

True Horse Stories

by Judy Andrekson

The true story of a gentle hero who won hearts and affection for
his commitment to “serve and protect.”

A big boy right from the start, Brig was a Belgian draft cross, or grade horse, with just the right temperament to earn his place on the Mounted Unit of the Toronto Police Department. Brigadier was a golden chestnut with four white socks, and his size alone was imposing. But that wasn’t why Sergeant Graham Acott chose this horse above all the others with such certainty. The animal’s large, intelligent, and gentle eyes were what struck him. This was a horse, and a partner, perfectly suited to the job for which he’d been bred.

Brigadier never let Graham or anyone else down for a moment, and his years of service with the force were happy ones. When, on that last night, he turned into the path of an oncoming car and took the full force of its impact, he did what he was trained to do and he did it with the heart of a gentle hero.

Thousands wept and were outraged by the senseless cruelty that ended Brig’s life. For his selfless act, Brigadier received full honors, a police funeral, and tributes from around the world. But his days of willing service, the smiles he brought, and his gift of companionship are what he will always be remembered for.

Genres: Horses

96 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 2009

About the author

Tundra author Judy Andrekson grew up in Nova Scotia with a pen in one hand and a lead rope in the other. At the age of twenty, she moved to Alberta, where she could pursue her great love of horses, and there she found her dream job managing a thoroughbred racing/breeding farm. By her thirties, Judy had also begun to write seriously. Now she combines both of her passions in her new series for young readers, True Horse Stories. Judy also works as an educational assistant. She, her husband, John, and their daughter, Kate, live in Sherwood Park, Alberta, along with a constantly changing assortment of animals.

Reviews

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book for free in exchange for honest review.
It is a easy book to read if you can see the words through the tears.
I enjoyed the book. Loved the horses and how different they all are. learned a little about Canada Mounted Police and a bit about how horses are trained.
I liked how it is a true story but wish it had different ending. I did use up a lot of kleenex.
I hope they can pass stronger laws to protect animals especially service animals.
I think that kids will like this book too.

[Lynnda Ell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brigadier is a true story of a beautiful horse's working life as he served in the Toronto (Canada) Police Department. Judy Andrekson does a lovely job of bringing to life the personality of this special horse. She shows the hard work, intelligence, and loyality Brigadier displayed as he worked with his human partners. While written for 9 to 12 year-olds, both the text and occasional drawings can be enjoyed by all ages. I highly recommend it.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brigadier is a young reader's book about a horse who served with the Mounted Unit of the Toronto Police Department. It is written in a short chapter book style, with occasional sketches scattered throughout. The book's focus is on Brigadier, a gentle giant of a horse who was loved by everyone he came into contact with. The book outlines the basic training and routine these types of horses go through, and the bonds that they develop with their riders. Overall a good, though sad, book.

[Curriculum]

True story of a gentle hero who won hearts and affection for his commitment to 'serve and protect'/ A police horse story

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. I was glad that I read it.

[Kenyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good story, it brings you close to the characters (especially the horse), but this is one story I wish weren't true...