Twelve years ago, she created, organized and implemented the Midwest’s largest Police Mounted Horse Training program. Each Fall, Three Rivers Park District hosts its annual “Midwest Mounted Patrol Clinic,” which draws mounted police officers from across the country. This highly skilled horse training program has taught over 1,000 men and women in law enforcement the many skills needed for the duties of mounted patrol officers. Areas of mounted horse patrol training include urban riding, equitation, urban tactical mounted response, mounted shooting and sensory training. The program culminates with an extremely technical obstacle course where officers must complete with time and accuracy.
Officer Hamilton said, “There are many dedicated mounted police instructors throughout the country. This national award is truly deserved by all of them. I am so honored to have had the opportunity and privilege to instruct police officers, sheriff’s deputies and mounted posses. They truly have been my inspiration.”
I’ve personally been involved in the mounted training event in which Mary Hamilton is being awarded for. Not only does she provide this event, but several other training opportunities throughout the year. She recently provided a customized training curriculum for our Carver County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse and we value her wisdom and are grateful that she’s willing to share her knowledge and skills with others. I’m thankful that she received this award in which she well deserves!
I am currently the Captain of the Polk County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse. We have had Mary here for training three times. She does an outstanding job and clearly deserves this award. Peoples lives will be saved because of Mary and her training.