Albany police horses go to school

LUDLOW, MASS. (NEWS10) - This week, members of the Albany Police Department’s mounted unit participated in an intensive training program designed to prepare both officers and their horses for the unique challenges of policing on horseback. The training was conducted by the Albany police department, and hosted at the Hampden County Sheriffs office remount training center.

Albany Police Officer Kyle Parker, a recent addition to the unit, described his experience with the course. "It started off slow, like a crawl, but now we're almost off to a run. I had very little horse experience before this," said Parker. "After this week, I feel much more confident getting out into the real world on horseback."

Throughout the program, officers and horses were introduced to situations including crowd control, working alongside police dogs, and responding to smoke bombs and even helicopters. The goal is to build the horses’ confidence and ensure their ability to stay calm in high-stress environments.

Mary Elena Moran, one of the course instructors, emphasized the importance of the training. "We’re setting them up for success so that when they go out on the streets, they’re ready to engage with the community safely and handle any unexpected challenges," she explained.

The week-long training program is hosted by Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, in partnership with the Albany Police Department and the New York State Police. Sheriff Cocchi expressed his confidence in the program’s effectiveness, stating, "When they graduate, they’ll have the skill set to go out the next day and start doing the work we’re training them for."

The annual program draws mounted police units from across the East Coast, offering officers and horses a chance to refine their skills and prepare for the demands of community policing. As Moran put it, "We’re basically turning horses into the superheroes of the horse world. They go out, save lives, find missing people, and serve the community every day."