Keeping the Peace

The four troopers who travelled to Chicago benefited from a weekend of sharpening their skills and broadening their horizons. Garvey conducted a “mini-training” seminar, standard procedure for A&O assignments. Jamie Miller explains, “Every gig we do, it’s always training, always different learning. I pick up something at each assignment.” He added, “It’s a great job, always interesting and fun.”

Well trained horses and troopers are a hallmark of A&O. Garvey explains, “Every candidate has to pass a test of horsemanship and riding skills. Horses have to do different leg yielding similar to first level dressage and perform a test, similar to a trail class. Horses have to walk over cavalettis, across a canvas, under a hanging canvas, over a bridge and sometimes even a teeter-totter.” They are then exposed to both light and heavy sensory stimulation such as opening an umbrella in front of the horse, tossing a hula hoop toward him, or setting off firecrackers near him. One of the more unusual tests is driving a remote control car towards the horse, under him and even around him. Regarding this exercise, Garvey said, “We’re looking for a horse who reacts, but keeps his head and listens to the rider.”

From the human side, there are also specific requirements for trooper candidates. According to the A&O website, “Troopers must possess people skills that enable them to easily talk with adults and children. Employees serve as Ambassadors of Goodwill and positive role models within communities. They must also be in good physical condition and substance free, ranging from 18-69 years of age. They are comprised of both men and women from all walks of life...and live and ride by the impeccable standards of professionalism and horsemanship found in the RCMP Standard Operating Procedures Manual.”

Referring to the Chicago concert assignment, Garvey said, “Some of the people we’ll come across in the inner city (both kids and adults) have never seen horses before. The horses are a great entree’ to conversation and friendship with people you never knew. You start talking and all of a sudden, everyone’s relaxed.”

Providing public relations and security for concerts has become A&O’s primary purpose. As promoters become familiar with their work, they see the value in it and bring them in for big jobs. Some of the larger assignments of this past summer included the Grateful Dead concert at Alpine Valley in Wisconsin, Berkfest in the Berkshire Mountains in Massachussets and The Bonaroo Music Fest in Tennessee. Bonaroo attracted over 80,000 fans and A&O sent 45 horses, earning the distinction of the largest peacetime cavalry every assembled in non war time.

The Woodstock festival in upstate New York had a history of having trouble, but after the A&O mounted patrol was brought in, the trouble subsided. Truly impressed the Governor of New York was quoted as saying, “There will never be another mass gathering in New York without horses.”

The group has also seen a rise in awareness and need for control after the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks.

Mounted riders are not only a deterrent to crime, but the riders serve as hosts and hostesses on horseback. Riders can easily maneuver in situations that may be difficult for traditional patrols. When trouble does start to break out, they move in to curtail it quickly. Normal procedure would be to call for six or more horses for a formation ride. They come in together, face the crowd and politely ask them if they would move. The reception they get is generally positive. With their red uniform shirts, black breeches with a gold stripe and polished boots, they “fit the image.” Garvey explains, “Our dress and horses and demeanor (our cleanliness and the look we have) commands respect.” Along with the trained and diplomatic troopers, the horses themselves do a good job of commanding respect and earning friends. It’s not uncommon for “groupies” who attend many concerts to recognize the horses and riders from one year to the next. In Chicago, Billy McKerchie rode Barry, a 9-year-old Belgian and Craig Prior’s mount was Casey, a 5-year-old Percheron. The “big boys” as they refer to them are gentle and safe, but who wouldn’t back off with one of them closing in on you? Jamie Miller’s partner, a 5-year-old mule, is a real conversation starter. Even though he might not be the classic example of a mounted patrol horse that would pop into your mind first, he fits the company requirements well: “a gentle, calm spirit with no prior history of meanness, i.e., rearing, biting or kicking.” The diversity of horses is rounded out with Tracy Miller’s 6-year-old Quarter Horse mare and John Garvey’s 10-year-old Morgan.

New recruits must attend a mandatory five-day mounted certification Academy. Once certified, and based on their performance, troopers can progress in rank and stature. When asked what attracted him to becoming a mounted trooper with A&O, Jamie Miller said, “The three best things I like to do are ride horses, watch people and make money. [With this job] I can do all three.” Over 250 horsemen across the nation feel the same and fully enjoy the distinction they have earned as troopers with Alpha & Omega RCMP.