Happening now: Seattle Police Mounted Patrol’s first Open House

| Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(Officer Wollberg on Jet)
After the Seattle Police Mounted Patrol found itself in danger of being put out to budget-cut pasture a few years back – rescued with community support rounded up by the Seattle Police Foundation – they realized that for some in the city, their existence was a too-well-kept secret. They’re based here in West Seattle, and even here, many didn’t know about them. So today’s first-ever open house, presented by the foundation, is an attempt to change that – with riding demonstrations and some behind-the-scenes views:

And it was clear even before we saw the elbow-to-elbow crowd in the arena, the event is a hit:

It’s not only the horses and humans who are the attraction –

A different kind of horsepower is also on view –

That’s the famous classic SPD 1970 Plymouth Satellite, often seen at events – read all about it here. But back to the horses – as the SPF website rallying support for them points out, SPD has had a Mounted Patrol for more than a century. Get a firsthand look until 5 pm today – their HQ is just inside the 8600 8th SW entrance to Westcrest Park (look for the Mounted Patrol-labeled police car marking the entrance).

K September 22, 2013 (5:48 pm)

This is great to see! I know other cities have mounted patrols and they are very well respected by the community.

C September 22, 2013 (6:02 pm)

The horses and officers were great with all the kids (and adults) that attended. It was also fun to see all the guide dogs in training there.

A surprise bonus was the hotdogs and cocoa!

boy September 22, 2013 (6:46 pm)

These police horses are the best for crowd control. They work alot better then trying to push people back with bikes. Once people start getting there foot stomped by a horse they dispurse pretty quick. They and there handlers do a great job.

AJP September 22, 2013 (7:40 pm)

This was event was SO MUCH FUN! Very impressive horse maneuvers, fun crowd, beautiful horses. Really, really enjoyed this. Thank you so much!

Cyndi B September 22, 2013 (9:56 pm)

I had so much fun with my daughter and family today! Bummed to have lost my daughter’s digital camera though. I left my name and number with the office there if it ended up being turned in. It’s a metallic pink Fujifilm Z30. If you happened to see it, or heard about anyone turning in a camera, please reply.
Thanks!
We enjoyed the cocoa. I’m glad it wasn’t too hot :)

anonyme September 23, 2013 (7:18 am)

I had the honor of meeting Justice, Jet, and Harvest recently (as well as their human companions). These horses are great ambassadors for the SPD. In some cases, they’re more effective than foot or vehicle control, as they can cut back and forth through areas without streets – and faster. I once saw a mounted officer chase down a bad guy in Portland’s park blocks: pretty impressive.

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