Training

Line Search on Junior Day

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

Young Girl Training with ManIn 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