A loose horse caused a stir at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sunday, prompting a quick response from Port Authority officers. Reports came in of the animal running through traffic, including on the Van Wyck Expressway and the airport exit ramp, with witnesses capturing videos of the unusual scene.
Port Authority Lt. Luis Calderon and Officer Nicolas Delgado arrived on the scene as the horse made its way across airport property. Delgado said he initially thought someone might be riding it, but the horse was running freely with only a halter in its mouth. Attempts to corner the animal were initially unsuccessful, but Calderon was eventually able to gain its trust. “It came towards me. I put out my hands as if to pet it, and he basically let me hold on to the halter,” Calderon said. Delgado joined to help maintain control until the horse could be safely secured.
Officials later determined the horse had escaped from Curly’s Cowboy Center, located near the airport. The animal was returned home safely, ending the brief but chaotic adventure at JFK.