Suncoast Equine’s Basic Mounted Police Course integrates training for both sworn law enforcement personnel and non-sworn members of an agency's civilian equestrian support organization, (commonly referred to as a Mounted Reserve or Posse). The curriculum consists of classroom instruction, as well as practical training both on and off horseback. Upon successful completion of the course the student will have been provided with the basic skills and knowledge needed to competently perform his or her responsibilities as a mounted law enforcement officer or civilian support member.
Sworn participants will be required to attend the entire 40-hour course. The final day of this course consists of training in subject areas typically performed only by sworn personnel; therefore, non-sworn participants are only required to attend the first 30 hours.
All instruction is supervised by graduates of the University of Louisville - Southern Police Institute’s Mounted Law Enforcement Instructor Course.
We have been asked how we are able to provide this training at a much lower tuition than other institutions; the answer is simple. We understand that agency budget restrictions and personal finances in today's economy can often interfere with training needs. We here at Suncoast Equine believe that your safety and the safety of the public should not be compromised simply because of financial limitations. Through good fiscal management and the reduction of unnecessary overhead, Suncoast Equine is able to provide affordable, professional mounted police training without compromising the quality of that training.
Participation in this course is by advance registration only. To reserve your place in this class, it is recommend that you register early.
This course is designed for persons 18 years of age or older who are in need of basic mounted police or posse training: Typically newly assigned officers to mounted patrol duties; new members to an agency's civilian equestrian support organization, (commonly referred to as Mounted Reserve or Posse); individuals who would like to prepare themselves and their horses for becoming a member of their local Mounted Reserve or Posse; and those who are seeking a future career in mounted law enforcement.
The unique design of this course easily accommodates also those who have previously received basic mounted police training and desire 20 hours of Refresher Training.
Being an accomplished rider is not necessary. Participants should, however, possess at least basic riding skills to attend this class: The ability to ride a horse at a walk from point to point without veering off course; and to stop, back and turn the horse. This course will not only improve your skills for these basic maneuvers, but will take your riding to the next level with intermediate maneuvers, including, but not limited to, trotting and cantering.
The course is considered by some to be somewhat physically challenging. Participant should be in reasonably good health and without any physical or medical condition that could be worsened by the activities of the class, or that might otherwise create a risk to the participant or others.
HOW TO PLAN YOUR SCHEDULE
Sworn Personnel - Required
Non-Sworn Personnel - Required
Refresher - Optional
Arrive and check-in where you have made your arrangements in advance for accommodations for yourself and your horse. You will receive a Welcome Packet at your destination or in advance by mail that contains: The address and directions to the location where you are to meet the following morning for orientation; information about restaurants, tack shops, and feed stores in your area; and more.
Friday, April 20th
Sworn Personnel - Required
Non-Sworn Personnel - Required
Refresher - Elective
8:00 AM: Orientation - You will arrive for course check-in, introductions and orientation without your horse. You will receive your schedule and course printed material.
10-Hour schedule for the day will be provided at Orientation
Saturday, April 21st
Sworn Personnel - Required
Non-Sworn Personnel - Required
Refresher - Elective
10-Hour schedule for the day will be provided at Orientation
Sunday, April 22nd
Sworn Personnel - Required
Non-Sworn Personnel - Required
Refresher - Elective
10-Hour schedule for the day will be provided at Orientation
Monday, April 23rd
Sworn Personnel - Required
Non-Sworn Personnel - Elective
Refresher - Elective
10-Hour schedule for the day will be provided at Orientation. This day will consist of training in subject areas that are typically performed only by sworn personnel; therefore, non-sworn participants are not required to attend this final day.
Graduation: A commencement ceremony will be conducted as the final hour of the course on Monday, April 23rd. All participants, sworn, non-sworn, and those attending refresher training, are encouraged to participate in the ceremony, attended also by invited guests and dignitaries.
All horses arriving for the course must be accompanied by proof of a current negative Coggins test. If your horse is travelling from out of State, you will also be required to obtain and present a valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. Suncoast Equine reserves the right to turn away any horse that is not accompanied by the above require documents, appears to be unhealthy, or that may be considered dangerous or destructive.
Microtel Inns and Suites, Bushnell FL
2612 West CR 48
Bushnell, FL 33513
352-568-2111
http://www.microtelinn.com/hotels/florida/bushnell/microtel-inn-and-suites-bushnell/hotel-overview
Microtel is offering discounted rates to participants of this class. To receive this special rate, you must book directly with Microtel on or before April 10th. This hotel is easily accessible from I75. You will be centrally located. WalMart, filling stations, restaurants, RV service center, tack shop, feed store, and more are in the immediate area. You will be only minutes away from both the training venue and the nearby stables of your choice.
Our Father's Haven
7920 SW 90th Avenue
Bushnell, FL 33516
352-793-7920
http://www.ofhbandb.com/index.html
Our Father's Haven is a bed and breakfast for guests 18 years and older located on 20 beautiful acres adjacent to west central Florida's Withlacoochee State Forest and picturesque Withlacoochee River. Stables for your horses are available on the property. This is a beautiful facility located just minutes from the training venue, the City of Bushnell, restaurants, tack shop and feed store. Please call for availability and pricing.
Cypress House Bed and Breakfast
5175 CR 613C
Bushnell, FL
352-568-0909
http://www.chbandb.com
Cypress House is a large, rambling log house in the gracious old Florida style set in the midst of wooded farm land. Enjoy oak rockers on a wide wrap-around veranda looking out on moss hung oak trees. Here, you will find relaxed country calm and cordial hospitality. Stables are available on the property. You will be just minutes from I75, the training venue, the City of Bushnell, tack shop and feed store. Please call for availability and pricing.
Country Meadows Ranch
Bushnell, FL
Linda Elliot: 352-206-0551
http://www.countrymeadowsranch.com
Country Meadows Ranch, a riding vacation destination, or an overnight stop while passing through Florida. The ranch is located only 2 miles from Interstate 75. They are convenient and easy to find. Country Meadows Ranch Horse Motel offers overnight camping accommodations for travel trailers, RV campers and horse trailers, big-rig access, bathhouse, stalls and paddocks. Trails to ride and several restaurants, motels, veterinarian and tack & feed store are nearby. Please call for availability and pricing.
Emerald Oaks Ranch
12391 SR 471
Webster, FL 33597
http://www.suncoastequine.com/ranch.htm
Emerald Oaks Ranch is the venue for the 40-Hour Basic Mounted Police Training course. Stalls are available on the property, as well as a bunkroom, shower and restroom facilities. Participants with motorhomes, campers or horse trailers with living quarters may camp on the grounds throughout the duration of the 4-day course. Please call for availability and pricing.
Step 1: Download the Pre-Registration Form
Click on the below icon to download the Pre-Registration form.
Step 2: Complete and Return the Form
Complete the form and return it via U.S.Mail to Suncoast Equine, PO Box 1034, Webster, FL 33597. You can also scan your completed form and send it to us by email as a .pdf attachment. If you prefer to FAX, please call for instructions.
Note: Your place in the class can not be guaranteed until payment of the applicable registration fee is received. See the PAYMENT section below.
Option 1: Check or Money Order
Payment can be made by check or money order, payable to Suncoast Equine, and mailed to Suncoast Equine Inc. PO Box 1034, Webster, FL 33597. Please include the names of all participants for whom you are paying.
Option 2: Governmental Purchase Order and Check
Governmental agencies may submit a Purchase Order listing Suncoast Equine Inc. as the vendor. Suncoast Equine will submit an Invoice upon completion of the class.
Option 3: Credit Cards by Phone
You can make your payment over the phone by credit card.
Option 4: Online with PayPal
You can make a secure on-line payment now by making the appropriate selection in the drop-down list below and then clicking on the Pay Now button. The Pay Now process will allow you to change quantities in the event that you want to pay for more than one person. In the Pay Now process, please be sure to include the names of all persons for whom you are paying.
