Horse Illustrated Magazine

Twelve years ago, she created, organized and implemented the Midwest’s largest Police Mounted Horse Training program.  Each Fall, Three Rivers Park District hosts its annual “Midwest Mounted Patrol Clinic,” which draws mounted police officers from across the country. This highly skilled horse training program has taught over 1,000 men and women in law enforcement the many skills needed for the duties of mounted patrol officers. Areas of mounted horse patrol training include urban riding, equitation, urban tactical mounted response, mounted shooting and sensory training. The program culminates with an extremely technical obstacle course where officers must complete with time and accuracy.

Officer Hamilton received the highest compliment by her peers this month. Mary received the National Mounted Patrol Training Officer of the Year Award for 2007. The award was presented to her at the American Riding Instructors Association national conference held during the 1st week of December in Naples, Fla.

Officer Hamilton said, “There are many dedicated mounted police instructors throughout the country. This national award is truly deserved by all of them. I am so honored to have had the opportunity and privilege to instruct police officers, sheriff’s deputies and mounted posses. They truly have been my inspiration.”