How Rangers and Mounts are Trained

The Vermont Mounted Response Unit meets one weekend day a month for training year-round, to ensure our ability to provide top quality service. Additional training is occasionally required as well, including licensure with the State of Vermont for every ranger. Most training sessions are mounted, and most occur at Catamount Ranch in Addison County.

You should expect coursework and skill development in areas such as:

• Mounted Police Services
• Search & Rescue
• Tracking
• Vermont Security Licensing
• Backcountry Medicine
• Self Defense
• and others

Due to the nature of the training, a Vermont Mounted Response Unit Ranger may not ride for any other mounted unit unless it has been cleared in writing in advance with the MRU Commanding Officer.

Each ranger's mount joins in the weekend training from April to October. The horses undergo extensive preparation for work in and around large crowds, congested traffic, aircraft, canine units and wildlife, and both rangers and mounts are trained in crowd management, search operations, traffic management and law enforcement operations.

New Member Training

New members of the unit go through cadet training as well as ranger training as a means of bringing them up to speed in the most efficient manner. New members can therefore expect to attend training with the cadets two evenings a month, and with the rangers one weekend day monthly during their initial training period.

Elevation to full ranger and ranger mount status is based on skill attainment rather than days in training. Once you have attained ranger status you will be placed on the active duty roster where you will be notified of events and situations. Each ranger is expected to commit to riding in the field with the unit at least four times each year.