Since its founding in 1934, the United States Park Police (USPP) Horse Mounted Unit has been a vital part of the Washington, D.C. community, upholding tradition, ensuring public safety, and protecting the nation’s most iconic landmarks. Beginning with one rented horse, it has grown into one of the oldest and most respected police equestrian units in the country, now serving Washington, D.C., New York, and San Francisco.

What truly sets the USPP Mounted Unit apart is its dedication to community engagement through its unique public education center in Washington, D.C. This center allows visitors to experience the bond between horse and officer and to appreciate the mounted patrol’s role in national security and heritage preservation.

The unit also gives retired racehorses and show horses a second career in public service, providing them with expert care, training, and a dignified retirement. USPP horses are trained to work safely in crowds and challenging environments, and their skilled training staff often assist other agencies nationwide.

Demonstrating its spirit of service, the USPP Mounted Unit supported the U.S. Army Caisson Platoon during a time of rebuilding, sharing resources and mentorship to help restore its mission readiness.

From daily patrols on the National Mall to their presence at presidential inaugurations, state funerals, and national events, the Mounted Unit brings professionalism, dignity, and the quiet strength of the horse-human bond to public life.

Embodying the values of the Washington International Horse Show Honor and Service Award, the USPP Horse Mounted Unit exemplifies public service, horsemanship, education, lifelong equine care, and interagency partnership, continuing the legacy of Klinger and honoring the deep connection between horses and service to our nation.

Visit the Official Site of the United States Park Police Horse Mounted Patrol at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/uspp/horse-mounted-unit.htm. To donate a horse , request training, or to get answers to questions regarding Horse Mounted Patrol, please send an email to Lieutenant Anna Rose at anna_rose@nps.gov. The Honor & Service Award was created in 2013 following the induction of Klinger into the Horse Stars Hall of Fame in 2013. Klinger, a member of the Caisson platoon of the 3d United States Infantry (The Old Guard), was the inspiration for the award and its first recipient. The Honor & Service Award recognizes a horse, individual, or organization that best demonstrates the values of honor and service as embodied by Klinger.



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