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Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse Trains To Protect And Serve (With Gallery)
October 30, 2017
There was plenty of confetti, screaming people, sirens, black holes, flames and live gunfire — all part of a training session for the horses and riders of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse.
The posse recently trained off North Pine Barren Road near Bratt. The horses and riders ran an obstacle course of sorts, learning to push through barriers including a “fence” of pool noodles. In a test of trust between equine and rider, the horses crossed a low area area covered in black — which the horses perceive as a deep, dark hole and a danger.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The horses also stood with confetti guns fired toward them, learned to maintain order along a parade route of screaming people, and maneuver around the flames of Tiki torches and roadway flares. The horses were paraded around an Sheriff’s Office vehicle with flashing lights and a blaring siren, and they learned to hold their composure while approaching live gunfire.
“It’s all about exposing the horses to what they might encounter in the real world,” said Deputy Howard Enderson, posse leader. “This was only the second training for some, and they did really well. The horses love it; it s a game to them.”
The posse’s primary function is to assist the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office provide safety for the public. The posse can enhance patrol capabilities with crowd control, protection, patrolling and even suspect take down. The group also trains in search and rescue.
The posse also serves as a public face for the Sheriff’s Office, riding in numerous parades and appearing at public events.
The civilian volunteer unit current has 18 members — which includes 16 riders and two crew members. Only two members are paid deputies.
“We have a really good group of volunteers; one even turned down a paid job in order to volunteer,” Enderson said. “It’s also a chance for them to show off their horses.”
“Posse members volunteer their time and their horses for a variety of reasons, but mostly it’s a desire to serve,” he said. “I do it for the kids. They are the future of our country.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
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Comments
3 Responses to “Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse Trains To Protect And Serve (With Gallery)”
We love the Sheriff’s POSSE when they visit us at the BARRINEAU PARK COMMUNITY CENTER for our annual gathering..unfortunitly cancelled by HURRICANE IRMA in September..IT IS SO GOOD FOR OUR CHILDREN TO SEE THE HORSES AND TALM UNFRIENDLY TO OUR POLICE OFFICERS
Been a long time, but as a kid I loved watching the posse in the parades in downtown Pensacola. Of course back then they wore cowboy hats and boots and fringed shirts and a pair of Colt 6-guns!!
Love this story.