This is a photo of Jack, an eleven year old Quarter Horse who is a special member of the US Park Police. With Jack are his law enforcement partner, Officer Barbara Blendy, Retired USPP Ofc. James "Bullet" Watson, and Sarah who is being treated to her first ride on a horse, courtesy of the Park Police.
Jack has visited Walter Reed Army Medical Center and given rides to recuperating warriors and their family members. Park Police horses are also used in the Ride Well Program where veterans with brain injuries do hands on work with horses during their rehabilitation.
Park Police horses must be steady, obedient, quick and intelligent, plus they must be what is referred to as "bomb-proof." They are often used for crowd control at large events, during protests or riots. Experts say one horse in a crowd is as valuable as fifteen or twenty foot patrol officers. A Park police horse and his/her partner must trust and respect each other, which creates a special bond between horse and human.
To learn more about the history and activities of the USPP horses, click here: http://www.nps.gov/uspp/fhorsepage.htm
* Do you know why Jack's breed is named Quarter Horse?
They can run a quarter mile at high speeds.
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