Police horses line up in formation during a training session in Cape May County in 2024. (Photo courtesy of Cape May County Sheriff's Office)
No, it’s not the cavalry riding to the rescue.
But a lot of hooves will be pounding the streets of Cape May County this week.
Approximately 60 horses from eight states will be part of a training seminar for mounted police officers and their steeds hosted by the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office.
And drivers may be sharing the road with them at times.
Cape May County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Officer Andrew Raniszewski is organizing the training. This is the third year this type of training has been held in the county.
The horses will be transported by trailers to different locations around the county during their training session from Monday to Friday.
“We ask that you be patient and respectful of the trailers and horses if you encounter them,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
Additionally, there will be formation rides and training sessions in Cape May Point on Thursday involving two separate groups of about 30 horses each.
One group will be conducting a formation ride out of Cape May Point State Park and on the beach, while the other group is training at the U.S. Coast Guard Base.
The formation rides will occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with each group switching locations around noon.
Drivers are urged by the Sheriff’s Office to be careful if they encounter the horses on the road.
The Sheriff’s Office is also asking members of the public for their patience and cooperation to make sure the training session remains safe.
“As many of you know, we love interacting with the public. Keep in mind that during this week these horses are working, training and on a tight schedule, so they may not be able to stop for pictures or to talk,” the Sheriff’s Office said of the horses and their riders.
