Giddy up Horsey!!!

I was most excited to do this 10th blog because never would I have considered or thought of highlighting horses as a mode of transport within the city of San Fernando. Of course, I remember witnessing this a few years ago, and I was very excited and amazed and eager to touch the animal but how scared was I to make a brave move. I decided from this photo to highlight the Mounted Branch of the Police Force as they are the skilled professionals who we see using these horses as patrol methods around the city of San Fernando. Hence, in this photo are two police officers conducting travel on the Streets on San Fernando. May I justify that this photo was taken by reporter Radhica Sookraj two years ago. I decided to use her photo because of the story it sells and because horses are not usually seen regularly in San Fernando to date.

                Not many persons may consider horseback riding to be a mode of transportation within the busy streets of San Fernando but indeed it is!  This method of transport was introduced to our Police Service under the Mounted Branch in the year 1851 and is still, today seen on our nation's roads. The Mounted Branch of Trinidad and Tobago was the country's first postmen and police stations then doubled up as post offices. Today, they provide patrols on a daily basis and has been part of the task force since 1905. 

                Over the years, the officers commute via horseback riding in an attempt to  control crowds at ceremonies at huge events in the city. Though one of the ancient modes of commuting for policemen, it has been effective transport throughout the years with an increase in persons becoming intimidated by the animal. Some of the duties of officers apart of the Mounted Branch have been to mainly instill and ensure order in the city, ceremonial duties of the force, demonstrations and other events. Of course, these animals and officers both have to undergo training to deal with any situation at hand. Ideally, half or three quarter bred horses are perfect for this job.

                In the city of San Fernando, there has been the presence of horse patrol in an attempt to stabilize order within the city. In a newspaper article entitled, "Horse patrols a hit Sando," two officers embarked on a journey through the city via horses, Gabriel and Hero. The article discussed how much of a stir was created as the citizens were not accustomed to seeing horses in their city. As a result, the horses drew their attention but at the same time, was embraced and touched by passersby who took photos. Sgt. Ranjit Rampersad who accompanied the horse patrols were part of the community crime eradication initiative. The Police Force was of the belief that by placing officers on horses throughout the city, members would be more receptive to them compared to if officers just sat in cars. Based on their test run, they concluded that it would be a great alternative to place more horses in the city of San Fernando. Once officers had this alternative mode of transport through the city, their jobs can be more effective with the co- operation of city members.

Links of importance :- 

http://guardian.co.tt/news/2011/09/30/horse-patrols-hit-sando

http://www.policeservicecommission.org.tt/Publications/branches%20and%20units.pdf

Until next week,

Shaniece