The Chicago Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit requires officers to have at least three years of experience with no prior riding experience necessary, but a love for animals is essential. The unit rides English style, requiring a new riding skill set and physical demands like cleaning stalls. The diversity within the unit and the beauty of the horses help foster a connection with the community, making people more comfortable engaging with officers.
Trust is key in the horse-and-rider relationship, with horses learning to navigate streets and assist in crowd control during training. The unit performs crowd control at events, parades, protests, and festivals, representing the police department at official ceremonies. Former 5th Ward Ald. Leslie Hairston suggests offering equestrian programming for youths to take advantage of the joy and therapeutic benefits horses can bring.
The mounted unit is a positive presence in the city, with children especially enjoying seeing the horses. Hairston and Desai both emphasize the potential for horses to enchant youths and build positive relationships, suggesting that offering more equestrian opportunities for youth could be beneficial. The horses serve as ambassadors of goodwill, paving the way for positive interactions within the community.
