This week, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit hosted a Mounted Instructor School for multiple law enforcement agencies from across the western United States. The week-long program included attendees from Jefferson, Douglas, Custer, Adams, Larimer, and Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as the Denver Sheriff Department, Flathead County Sheriff’s Office in Montana, and the Parker and Montrose Police Departments.

Participants enhanced their horsemanship, learned new techniques, and practiced emergency response planning.

The training also prepared students to instruct others on beginner and intermediate topics such as emergency dismounting, administrative formations, search and rescue operations, evidence and fugitive tracking, Honor Guard protocols, patrol, arrests, pursuits, traffic stops, community engagement, horse relaxation methods, and groundwork.

“Our Mounted Unit sets the standard in law enforcement,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “They’re training instructors from agencies across the country. I’m confident each participant will return home ready to train the next generation of Mounted Unit members and preserve the legacy of the western tradition. Maintaining this unit strengthens our operational and investigative capabilities while serving as a valuable tool for building community relationships. I want to thank my Mounted Unit deputies for leading this program and everyone who traveled to El Paso County to take part.”

“As Sheriff of one of the largest agencies in the western U.S., I remain dedicated to preserving the heritage of law enforcement—cowboy hats, boots, saddles, and equine partners.”