The City of Miami Police Mounted Patrol Unit recently offered an inside look at their elite horses and the officers training to ride them. This unit plays a vital role in law enforcement, particularly in crowd control and community policing. Training is rigorous and focuses equally on preparing both the horses and officers to handle stressful situations, including exposure to sirens, loud noises, and simulated gunfire. The program takes officers from no prior horse experience to full proficiency in horse care and riding over six weeks, with five officers set to graduate soon.

Officer Melanie Rodriguez, a three-year veteran, shared her enthusiasm for the role despite the challenges, including falls during training. She values the unique opportunity to connect with the community through this mounted unit. As the largest mounted patrol unit in Florida, the team emphasizes approachability and community engagement, encouraging residents to greet them when they see the mounted officers on patrol.