Mounted Officers participate in an exercise that simulates distractions such as smoke to insure the horse is comfortable within that environment. Horses for the most part are very skittish around smoke so this training effort is critical for the mounted units effectiveness.

Sheriffs and horses at first thought make one think of the Wild West and western movies. Today, like Sheriffs, horses play a critical and vital role in modern law enforcement. Though the patrol car has replaced the transportation responsibilities of the horse other qualities of that animal greatly enhance the ability of Sheriffs to provide contemporary police services.

The mounted patrol officer provides four variables that contribute to police services and crime deterrent: crowd control; crime control deterrent; search and rescue and community policing.

These four areas provided the blue print for the curriculum for the 2008 Multi Agency Mounted Patrol Extensive Training Session hosted by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office. Drills and exercises for the teams of mounted units stressed tactical formations, obstacle course maneuvering, crowd control, horse and officer safety and sensory adaptability, which is getting the horses comfortable within an environment of flashing lights, sirens, fireworks and smoke.

“The elevated position of Mounted Officers makes them six times more visible and helps to spot and deter certain types of crime,” states Livingston County Sheriff John York. "But what is particularly beneficial is that the officer and horse provide a sense of protection to the citizens making use of public areas. The horses high visibility and presence creates a natural connection to the community they serve.”

This annual event provides valuable training for those agencies that deploy mounted patrols. This year, units from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Rochester Police Department joined the mounted units from the host Sheriff’s Office.