Page 16 - Summer 2017 Final

A Busy Summer In the Saddle

By Sergeant Maureen Wesinger

The Mounted Unit has been in full swing with In May and June alone, the unit attended 25 events
their summer satellite barns up and operational. at schools and Boy and Girl Scout tours and parades.

The main stable is located in Acton, but Members of the Mounted Unit traveled
during the summer months, horses are moved to Washington DC in May to participate in
out and stabled at Walden Pond in Concord and Law Enforcement Week from the mounted
Salisbury Beach State Reservation. From these perspective. During the five days, the horses and
satellite locations, troopers travel to state parks riders participated in the North American Police
all over the Commonwealth, including parks in Equestrian Council’s training. The horses were
and around Boston like the Esplanade, Castle stabled in Maryland at the Rosecroft Racetrack.
Island, Carson Beach, and Revere Beach, as well Training this year was focused on search and
rescue, which included classroom training as
well as a ride through the Manassas Battle
Fields. Members of the unit also trained in
formation riding and obstacle courses and
the horses took part in sensory training.

The horses were transported to
from the track to downtown DC where they
took part in numerous events. The Capitol
Police led MSP members on a riding horse
tour which brought them by many of the
area attractions, including the Jefferson
Memorial, the White House, the Washington
Monument, the reflecting pools, and the
Lincoln Memorial. They also participated
in various ceremonial events, including
the candle light vigil and a survivor’s mass.

as outlying parks like Rutland State Park, Harold As they have done every year, the mounted
Parker State Park, and Horseneck Beach, where unit had a strong presence at the July 4 Boston Pops
th
they respond to emergencies, investigate various event on the Esplanade. They will be participating
types of complaints and criminal activity, enforce in security for summer concerts at Gillette. When
Department of Conservation and Recreation rules football season is up and running, they will
and regulations, and locate missing children. support security measures for the Patriot’s games.

The goal of the mobile mounted unit is to The Mounted Unit missions are
patrol parks in each of the Troops throughout the constant and the troopers assigned to the
spring, summer, and fall months when the dramatic unit are dedicated ambassadors who are
increase in the volume of visitors brings with it an committed to providing quality policing and
associated need for a law enforcement presence. security from a unique position…atop a horse.
In addition to the patrol function, the mounted unit
continues to be an ambassador for the State Police.

F r en c h·a n d·E le c t r ic·B l ue·S umm er·2017·p a g e·16