NASHVILLE, Tenn.  – In what has become an annual occurrence, the Metro Nashville Mounted Patrol recently hosted a mounted patrol training session. The session, which ran February 28–March 3, attracted 33 mounted law enforcement groups from across the county and Canada. While a variety of breeds were present, the Tennessee Walking Horse took the lead as the official mount of the Metro Nashville group as well as several other patrols. Additionally, every attendee was invited to experience the glide ride for themselves aboard one of the Nashville horses.

Participants in the session partook of a variety of training techniques and challenges. Topics covered included desensitizing, crowd control, maneuvering over and around obstacles and apprehending suspects. The session also included a clinic by Sam Powell and the opportunity to work one on one with the renowned clinician. The final day of the session featured a timed obstacle challenge, which was observed, in part, by the Metro Nashville Chief of Police.

This annual event has become one of the most popular mounted patrol training opportunities in the country. Attendance is free for all mounted patrols and the experience gained is invaluable. Hats off to Metro Nashville Mounted Patrol Sgt. J. D. Harber and his troop for heading up this unique event and for always promoting the Tennessee Walking Horse.

Metro Nashville Chief of Police Steve Anderson and
Metro Nashville Mounted Patrol Sgt. J. D. Harber.

Mounted patrol officers were formed into groups to test their crowd control skills.

On the final day of the session, officers competed against each other
in a timed obstacle challenge.