General Interaction Rules
- Ask First: Always obtain permission from the officer before approaching or touching a horse.
- Safe Approach: Always approach from the side so the horse can see you. Never walk directly behind a horse or approach from the rear "blind spot."
- Calm Movements: Avoid running, jumping, or sudden gestures. Maintain a calm demeanor to keep the horses relaxed.
- Supervision: Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Do not allow children to run toward or underneath the horse.
Communication and Noise
- Volume Levels: Speak in normal conversational tones. Avoid screaming, shouting, or high-pitched noises.
- Equipment: The use of air horns, whistles, or megaphones in the immediate vicinity of the horses is strictly prohibited.
- Photography: Flash photography can be disorienting. Please disable your flash or ask the officer for a "go-ahead" before taking photos.
Food and Treats
- No Outside Food: Do not offer the horses any food, treats, or grass.
- Dietary Safety: Our horses follow strict, performance-based diets. Hand-feeding can also encourage "nipping" behaviors, which creates a safety risk for the next person who approaches
Safety and Comfort
- Personal Space: Do not crowd the horses. If a line forms, please maintain a respectful distance (at least 5 feet) from the team.
- Service Animals & Pets: Keep all pets on a short, non-retractable leash. Maintain a minimum distance of 15 feet between your pet and the horse.
- Officer Commands: If an officer asks you to step back or move, please do so immediately and without question.
Right of Refusal
- Health & Well-being: The Mounted Patrol Unit reserves the right to decline any interaction if the horse shows signs of stress, fatigue, or overheating.
- Early Departure: We reserve the right to leave an event early if the environment becomes unsafe, if the crowd becomes unmanageable, or if an emergency operational call is received.
Site Management (For Organizers)
- Surface Requirements: Ensure the designated area is clear of debris, glass, or slick surfaces.
- Manure Management: Organizers are responsible for providing a plan for waste removal unless otherwise agreed upon during the application process.
- Clearance: Ensure there is a clear, unobstructed path (minimum 10 feet wide) for the horses to enter and exit the venue safely.
