The Houston Police Department needs help feeding its mounted patrol horses.

Because of the drought, the price of hay and other feed has gone up 50 percent over the last year.

HPD has 31 horses in its mounted patrol.  

The horses patrol downtown and various parks and help with large crowds and demonstrations.

Each horse costs $5,000 to care for and feed.

HPD is asking for help by sponsoring an adopt a horse program.  

You can sponsor a horse for $5,000. You'll be allowed to name the horse, get photos, have a plaque on the stall and get the horse to come out to your home or business.

For information on adopting a house go to www.houstonpolicefoundation.org.