Last week, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office proudly hosted the Level I Regional Mounted Unit Academy at the Norris Penrose Event Center in El Paso County, Colorado.

This intensive, weeklong training brought together mounted units from across our state to strengthen horsemanship, exchange best practices, and develop critical strategies for emergency responses.

Throughout the academy, participants received hands-on training in a wide range of operational and ceremonial functions, including emergency dismounts, administrative formations, search and rescue operations, evidence and fugitive searches, Honor Guard presentations, patrol techniques, arrest procedures, pursuits, traffic stops, vehicle escorts, horse relaxation theory, and foundational groundwork.

In collaboration with the Ellicott Fire Department, the academy also offered realistic scenario-based training, preparing riders and their equine partners for unique challenges they may face during their missions.

One of the academy's highlights was a mounted ride from the Norris Penrose Event Center to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in downtown Colorado Springs. The procession of 40 riders and horses captured the public’s attention, as the impressive animals stood proudly and composed in formation.

Several recent National Mounted Unit Instructor School graduates, hosted by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in early May, returned to El Paso County to assist and apply their skills during this academy.

“The partnership with the Norris Penrose Event Center gives us the opportunity to host valuable training events which bring agencies together to share knowledge, sharpen skills, and strengthen our ability to serve the public,” said Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “What you see today is a powerful reflection of how we honor our Western heritage while embracing the needs of a modern, well-trained law enforcement agency.”

This year’s academy welcomed mounted units from the Denver Sheriff’s Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Commerce City Police Department, Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Parker Police Department, and Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office. Their participation and collaboration underscore a shared commitment to public safety and professional service excellence.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting an advanced mounted academy in the fall of 2025.