PA State Police Seeking Horse Donations For Mounted Units

PENNSYLVANIA — Mounted police units are an integral aspect of policing, and the public can help the Pennsylvania State Police mounted units by donating horses.

The Pennsylvania State Police is asking the community for donations of horses to support its mounted patrol unit.

The department maintains a stable at the Academy in Hershey and relies on donations to fill a complement of 28 horses.

Horses are deployed statewide for searches, crowd control, security, and patrol of remote areas. They also participate in parades, demonstrations and other community events.

Donated horses must be geldings between 5 and 15 years old and stand between 16 hands — 5 foot, 4 inches at the shoulder — and 18 hands tall, according to state police.

Draft and draft-crosses are the preferred breed. Thoroughbreds and other "hot bloods" are less desirable, police said.

Horses must have quiet, sound dispositions, and be free of serious stable vices.

Any donated horses will be accepted on a 120-day trial basis to determine their suitability. A veterinary examination will also be performed, police said.

When they retire, state police horses are first offered back to their original owners, police said. In the event owners are unable or unwilling to take the horse back, state police finds them suitable homes.

To arrange a donation or for more information, contact Corporal Carrie Neidigh at (717) 533-3463 or cneidigh@pa.gov.