Sgt. Jessica McNally talks on Trail Riding & Equestrian Safety
Starts with Training. Any Horse Any Rider.
Who am I? Cleveland Metroparks Police Dept. Mounted Unit
How It Works
- Protect and serve the public, preserve the park, and honor the tradition and rich history of mounted policing
- Established in 1921
- Unit continues to evolve to provide superior service for the public and best practices for our unit
Maintaining Proper Training for Both Horse & Rider
- National Mounted Police Colloquium in Kentucky Horse Park
- Train, Train, Train
- Every opportunity is valuable
- Know your equipment, know your horse, know your partners
- Respect and trust go a long way. Find a balance with your horse
- In every aspect, horses are continual work. Most people will never understand the level of commitment, dedication, and constant training required
What can Cleveland Metroparks Police Department Mounted Unit do for you?
- Clinics - indoor, outdoor, rain or shine
- Community outreach and tours
Get the full seminar experience by watching the video and reviewing the presentation.
Switching Gears with Trail Riding & Equestrian Safety
Keeping Yourself Safe, 1 Ride at a Time.
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Respect the park. Leave it as you see it and stay on trail
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Information sharing. Report dangers, educate not enforce the public
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Desensitization and train. Know your horse, and your own capabilities
- Emergency plan and proper equipment
Ride with confidence—check out our helmets and safety vests today by clicking the helmet image!
Are you prepared for an EMERGENCY?
Recommended Equipment:
- Flashlight
- Whistle
- Charged Phone with emergency contacts
- First Aid Kit
- Lead rope
- Extra halter
Other recommendations:
- Contact information tags on saddle and bridle
- Screenshot map of area ridden. Responding units might need different access points in an emergency
- Download Cleveland Metroparks Health & Fitness App to your cell phone
- Who knows where you are, where you're riding, and where you're parked?
- Have at least 2 vet phone numbers in your phone. Important to have back up
- Spare key available? Get a key lock box and hang on your trailer
- Have a hay bag or 2, water container and SNACKS!!!
Are you prepared?
What do you do to be ready?
Every day can be a training day!
- How often do you preform a health check? Can you quickly obtain vitals in an emergency? Make your vet love you, not dread you!
- How often do you offer a friendly challenge to practice an emergency drill or work with your horse in different environments?
- Acclimation!!!! It's not IF your horse notices something, it's a matter of WHEN!
- How does your horse load on and off a trailer quickly and safetly?
- Check your trailer! Is everything in working order? Tires, springs, latches, etc.
- Accident's do happen, but planning can often soften the impact
- BE PREPARED, HAVE A PLAN, AND REMAIN CALM!
Last Word of Thought:
What comes easy, won't last. What lasts won't come easy!
DISCLAIMER: ** This blog is for informational purposes only.
