Cleveland Metropark Rangers are pleased to welcome another new member to the department; this time a new horse for the Mounted Unit. Myron, a seven year-old American Saddle Bred, chestnut color gelding has been with Cleveland Metroparks Ranger's Mounted Unit on a trial basis for the last four weeks. The horse has passed all of the preliminary tests indicating he has the fortitude and potential to become an excellent addition to the Ranger's Mounted Unit.
When selecting a horse for law enforcement it is essential to identify an animal with the proper demeanor. �Disposition is everything,� says Ranger Jessica McNally, a level-two Certified Mounted Training Instructor. �We look for a horse that is astute and sensitive. He must be able to work public relations details but also be powerful and forceful enough to work crowd control and traffic stops. In addition, he must maintain a strong disposition during arrests, field interviews and other daily patrol tasks.�
Myron's initial tests involved determining how well he handles noises like sirens, lights and other distractions that may spook the average horse. Now, intense training begins and will last for at least a year. Most of the work that will take place at the Brecksville Stables arena this winter involves sensory, obstacle and tactical training. McNally will work to build a bond and trust with her new partner and by next summer, he will be ready to begin patrol training alongside another horse.
Myron makes the tenth horse for the Ranger Department's Mounted Unit. With seven Mounted Rangers the objective is to have more than one horse per rider, so in the event one of the horses becomes ill, the Rangers will be ready to continue patrolling the Park District's nearly 23,000 acres.
Myron was donated by Jeffery Gerrick from Medina. Myron's first day of service is November 1, 2013.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
SUE ALLEN - 216-635-3338, sja@clevelandmetroparks.com
MONICA BANKS HINES - 440-221-7644, mbh@clevelandmetroparks.com
