The Houston Police Department Mounted Patrol Detail has a unique combination of donated and purchased horses. At present there are 37 horses at the Mounted Unit. There are representatives of many different breeds, including, Percheron, Belgium, Quarter Horse, Hanoverian, Tennessee Walker, Dutch Warmblood, Thoroughbred, and Spotted Saddle Horse. At the present time there are 28 mounts assigned to regular patrol duties. There are six mounts that are not assigned. Currently, three mounts are in training. There are a few requirements that a horse must pass before it is initially accepted into the Mounted Unit.

• Gelding or Mare.
• The horse must be of minimum 15.2 hands in height.
• Between the ages of two (2) years, and fifteen (15) years.
• Must be of gentle temperament.
• Must pass a Veterinarian check.

After the initial acceptance each donated horse will go through a minimum 90-day evaluation and training phase. During the evaluation phase, the horse will be assessed at the Mounted facility and put through obstacles, such as, tarps, fireworks, and smoke. Also, the horse will be assessed while working alone and in groups of other horses. Harassment and crowd control situations will be introduced at this point. Next, the horse and trainer will move outside the Mounted Facility to the major parks and airports located in Houston. After success completion of these areas, the horse will be exposed to Downtown Houston. This area is the most dynamic of training, as there is construction, vehicle traffic, pedestrian traffic, water obstacles, curbs, and ever changing terrain. Most horses are accepted into the unit after performing successfully in these different areas.

Once a horse is accepted, it is assigned to a mounted officer or supervisor. Typically, we try to match a mount to a rider based on the rider’s skill level. If an officer’s regularly assigned horse is out of service for any reason, then another horse that is not designated to be ridden for that day will be assigned. If a horse is not accepted into the Unit then the horse is given back to the owner. Also, if the horse is retired then the original owner is given first opportunity to take custody of the horse. If the original owner does not want the horse or, is unavailable, then a suitable home is located for the retired horse.

Many of the horses at Houston Mounted Patrol are now unshod (barefoot). The BareFoot Program initiated by the Unit has been a great success. Horses that are shod wear metal shoes with borium tips to provide traction.

If you know of a horse that you believe would make a good addition to the Houston Mounted Patrol Unit, please contact Officer Greg Sokoloski at 832-394-0394.

Or if you would like to make a donation to the Houston Mounted Patrol please go too houstonpolicefoundation.org and designate your donation to The Houston Police Mounted Patrol.