
Each year members and their equine partners must successfully complete a Sensory Certification course. This training involves an obstacle course, which exposes the horse and rider to many situations and sensory stimulations that they may experience while working. Examples include:
- Balloons
- Carrying flags
- Encountering baby strollers
- Going over bridges and tarps
- Pulling various objects
- Streamers
Training Requirements
Trainees are exposed to patrol car lights and sirens, road flares, and smoke bombs. Within these obstacles the horse/rider team are required to demonstrate the ability to:
- Back
- Lope
- Side Pass
- Trot
- Turn on the Forehand
- Turn on the Haunches
- Walk
In addition to the required yearly Sensory Certification, members are required to participate in self-defense tactics training, and remain current in 1st Aid/CPR/AED training.
Additional Training
The Polk County Mounted Posse (PCSMP) may also participate in training for:
- 800 Radio Operations
- 911 Address Systems
- Boat and Water Training
- Crime Scene Investigations/Security
- Lost Person Behavior
- Mock Search and Rescue Scenarios
- Mounted Patrol Clinics