What to Expect From the Horse Patrol

Working with the Vermont Mounted Response Unit is an experience in professionalism that begins with an initial conversation during which we will want to know details about your event. Often there is a pre-event meeting with our Commanding Officer or Liaison Officer where we discuss your specific needs, identify areas of concern, establish protocols and make recommendations.

Many events are best served by a balance of traditional foot patrol, traffic management, bicycle and vehicle based personnel working in concert with the Mounted Unit for optimum economy and results. We are accustomed to working with civilian, law enforcement and military personnel to create a unified mission. Upon receiving the green light we will submit an event plan that includes general parameters, event protocols, communications protocols, deployment plans and even mechanisms for making last minute changes.

Arriving on site, our uniformed rangers stand out in their black pants, khaki shirts and high visibility command vests. While the Supervising Officer or Liaison Officer checks in with your event coordinator our team will set up a secure area for the horses and the Mounted Response Unit Field Command Center. To ensure that everyone is ready to go, horses are lightly exercised and warmed up 30 to 45 minutes before the event begins, so we are in the saddle and on station at the designated time.

Invariably civilians and event personnel will want to visit with the horses as soon as possible, and it is at this point that you will discover one of the horse patrol's many talents: Vermont Mounted Response Unit horses and rangers receive ongoing training in top quality public relations, and each will do their part as your public relations emissary.

Each ranger is licensed by the state of Vermont and certified in traffic management. During the event, rangers and their mounts patrol designated areas, direct traffic and manage crowds, based on the deployment plan. Deviations in the plan must be approved by the horse patrol's supervising officer. Our mounts are accustomed to working in and around congested pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and you will find the elevated view of the rangers to be a tremendous asset.

Following the event you will receive an After Action Report detailing the results of Vermont Mounted Response Unit activities, along with recommendations.