Mounted Patrol Detail - Donations

HOW AND WHAT CAN I DONATE:

The Mounted Patrol Unit is constantly in need of large and small ticket items. The unit accepts horse, monetary, and equipment donations. The donation process differs from item to item. The unit accepts general donations and specific donations. The monetary donations must be made to the Houston Police Foundation and designated for the Mounted Patrol Unit. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! The horse donation process is very specific as well. The horse must meet certain qualifications and pass a vet check. The vet check is a general physical for the horse and assures that the mount will be fit for duty as a police horse. The general donations can be dropped off at the Mounted Patrol Facility. Typically, the general donations are less expensive, but just as important for the day to day operation of the unit. The general donations are less specific in nature unless there is a particular item and brand requested. The Unit has found that certain items are more durable and hold up better with the day to day use they receive.

MONETARY DONATIONS:

The Mounted Patrol Unit is not allowed to accept monetary donations directly. The donations must go through the Houston Police Foundation and be designated for the Mounted Patrol Unit. The funds are received and administrated by the Foundation for the benefit of the unit and citizens of Houston. The money can be utilized for many purposes such as purchasing equipment and providing additional training.

HORSE DONATIONS:

The Mounted Patrol Unit accepts horse donations from private citizens. The process is relatively simple, but specific. The horse must be at least 15.2 hands and have a calm disposition. The horse must pass a field evaluation conducted by an officer with the mounted patrol unit. The horse is then accepted with the condition that the horse passes a vet check and a ninety-day evaluation period conducted at the Mounted facility. Upon completion of this process, the horse is accepted and becomes a part of the Mounted Patrol Unit. The horse is gradually exposed to obstacles, fire works, crowd control, and the downtown area. The final step is to assign the horse to a rider for daily patrols.

GENERAL DONATIONS:

General donations usually deal with the day to day operations of the barn and care of the horses. The items are usually less expensive but, wear out on a regular basis. These items are essential to day to day operations and just as important as trucks and trailers. Without these items there would not be a mounted patrol. The list of items are currently needed and accepted at the Mounted Facility located at 300 North Post Oak (713) 812-5151.

Please Note: Certain items are brand and model specific as we have found that they best serve our needs and last the longest with day to day use.

• Stainless Feed Buckets
• Thick wall water hoses 25-50-100' lengths
• Wheelbarrows (rubber maid rcp Winchester with bike wheels) brand specific
• Winter horse blankets
• Fly masks
• Spray bottles
• Fly spray (oil base)
• Rope (Samson Stable Braid Yacht Rope 5/8" thick (black)
• Quick release snaps
• Electric tape
• Horse brushes with soft bristle for face
• Mane and Tail combs
• Curry combs (round rubber with raised nipples)
• Commercial grade rechargeable clippers (Oater A-5 Power Pro Cordless)
• Industrial outdoors ceiling fans for barn
• Small rubber maid totes for vet supplies
• 5-gallon gas cans
• Shampoo (Orvis or Kentucky Gold)
• Furisol cut spray
• Vet wrap
• Hoof Gloss

Special Need Items:

• The Mounted Patrol Unit is in need of a 27" television with DVD/VCR combo for training and review of event footage. There are numerous events that require a Mounted Patrol response in dealing with crowds, protests, and other situations. The events are usually taped. The unit needs to have the ability to view the event after the fact and make adjustments for the future.
• The barn personnel are typically isolated from the front office and communication is extremely difficult. The barn is equipped with a telephone in the office. There is no intercom system. The facility is three acres and two-way radios are needed.

Blankets and Pad:

• Black fleece saddle pads (100% wool)
• Wrangler 20X western saddle pads
• Toklat brand (black dress pads with pockets)
  

Barn Equipment:

• Galvanized 12' pipe gates with 2" pipe
• Dual flood light on a stand
• Small gas or rechargeable blower for the barn area

Trucks and Trailers:

The Mounted Patrol Unit is in need of trucks and trailers. The unit has an aging fleet and many of the vehicles have to be repaired on a regular basis creating a transportation hardship. If you are interested in either donation , contact Lt. R. Wallace of the Mounted Patrol Unit for specifications at (713) 812-5156.