KHP MOUNTED POLICE
While watching over the security of the park, its visitors and horses, the KHP Mounted Police can be seen 24 hours a day, 365 days of a year, patrolling the park’s 1,200+ acres.
The responsibilities of the KHP Mounted Police Department are:
- Provide uniform patrol service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Provide traffic control and related duties for large events
- Monitor and respond to the fire and security alarm system
- First responders in emergency and/or crisis situations
- Investigate criminal and non-criminal complaints to include personal injury and accident reports
- Enforce Kentucky Administrative Regulations
- Coordinate with cabinet officials and other law enforcement agencies on special events
- Promote and maintain positive public relations
- Maintain safe and suitable horses capable of performing police related patrols and details
- Perform ceremonial duties by participating in honor guard and escort details
Generally, the mounted police horses are a draft or draft cross breed that are big boned and durable, but also athletic in build. They possess a kind disposition, and are docile, friendly and curious in character. Mounted Patrols are effective for crowd control in many ways. Because of the height the officer gains when mounted (giving an overall height of almost 9 feet), officers can see over the crowd and spot problems. The highly visible officer presence can make unruly elements in a crowd think twice before creating a problem. If a disturbance does occur, mounted officers can quickly disperse an unruly crowd, most of the time without ever having to make contact with the persons being moved.
The KHP Mounted Police and the Lexington Mounted Police units host the annual National Mounted Police Colloquium and Civilian Sensory Clinic at the Kentucky Horse Park. National and international instructors are brought in to instruct both police and civilians in various types of training to include equitation, jumping, crowd control and sensory techniques. This event brings together people and horses from all around the country to learn new techniques, share ideas, and train their amazing horses. Training is always conducted in a controlled environment geared to improving the confidence of both the horse and rider.
Security
The Kentucky Horse Park's Mounted Police play a role that is highly valued by police departments all over the United States - watching over the security of the park, its visitors and horses.
It is important to the Kentucky Horse Park to offer visitors a unique and educational experience during their stay. It is also important that visitors feel safe and secure while touring the grounds. The Kentucky Horse Park Mounted Patrol can be seen 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, patrolling the park's 1,200+ acres.
Mounted Police Contact Info
On-Duty Officer: 859-509-1450
Office: 859-259-4250
Captain Lisa Rakes, Mounted Unit Commander
E-mail: [email protected]
Sergeant David Johnson, Equine Training/Patrol Supervisor
A state-certified law enforcement agency
2019 Mounted Police Colloquium
The Kentucky Horse Park Police and the Lexington Police Department present the 25th Annual National Mounted Police Colloquium at Alltech Arena September 23-27, 2019. Learn more!
Civilian Equine Sensory Training Clinics
The clinics are hosted by the Kentucky Horse Park and the Lexington Mounted Police Unit. It will take place September 28-29 in Alltech Arena. National and international instructors will provide training in obstacle, sensory and equitation techniques. Learn more!