San Jose Mounted Police Open House

Ever wanted to know more about the San Jose Mounted Police Unit? They are hosting an Open House this coming Saturday, February 26th, from 10am to 3pm. The Open House will be held at the San Jose Mounted Unit Stables at 2525 Kenoga Drive in San Jose. This open-to-the-pubic family-friendly event will include barn tours, the opportunity to meet the officers and horses, training demos, and equine chiropractic demonstrations. Starting when the gates open at 10am, there will also be free raffles held every 30 minutes. Prizes include horse and dog training gift certificates, San Jose Sharks tickets and signed merchandise, and restaurant gift certificates.

The San Jose Mounted Unit is part of the Special Operations Division. The unit consists of 7 officers, 1 sergeant,, 1 lieutenant, and 13 horses. The unit is responsible for patrolling Downtown San Jose, as well as City parks and rivers. They also assist with crowd control during public events such as parades, search and rescue, and dignitary protection. Their mounts are varied breeds and include Quarter Horses, Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and Standardbreds. Officers choose from either a western style trail saddle or a Crates endurance saddle, depending on their horse’s conformation. All saddles used are black. Halter-bridle combination headstalls are used in order to help officers easily transition from riding to leading their horses. Mounted officers also carry ticket books, 26”batons, and equipment to clean up after any waste their horses leave behind.