Ned the Long-Standing Fire Station Horse

Lincoln, Nebraska, 1912
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SLEEPS ERECT

Fire Horse That Has Never Laid Down During Ten Years of City Service.

"Ned," a sixteen-year-old bay attached to fire station No. 1, is known as the horse that never lies down. While most horses stand a great deal while in their stalls and sleep a good part of the night in an erect position, Ned is declared by the firemen to remain on his feet all of the twenty-four hours.

Ned is a medium sized animal, just the weight that gives action for such strenuous work as is cut out for fire horses. He was purchased ten years ago when he was just six years old.

For years he and his running mate pulled the hose wagon at company No. 3, and they did brilliant service. They were regarded as the fastest team that were ever hooked to a hose cart.

"They could run like deer," said Chief Clement. "They were well matched and made a fine appearance. People always took a second look at this team when they were in action."

Sometimes Ned is so sound asleep that he falls down in his stall, but he gets right up again. An extra strong halter was obtained for him recently. He has broken several during his service in the department.

Some horses are like humans, they dream a great deal. One fire horse has been noted for years for his dreaming propensities. His dreams like those of people are not always pleasant.

Firemen say that horses are like people. Some catch on to a new job quickly, while other don't. A light buckskin team which pulls a hose wagon at No. 1 is declared to have learned the "ropes" in five days. When the fifth alarm was turned in and this team was released both horses walked under the harness like veterans.

"A few horses learn in a week or less," said Fred S. Stretton, the veteran fireman, "while others have to be trained for a month before they can be trusted to take their places under the harness."

--Lincoln Evening News, Lincoln, Nebraska, January 22, 1912, page 1.