​About the Mounted Patrol

The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol, founded in 1985, is a volunteer organization made up of active riding members and auxiliary members who serve their community with dedication and pride. Their team assists with search and rescue, crowd control, security, and public relations throughout Crow Wing County and surrounding areas. They are a trusted presence at community events including parades, ceremonies, and the Crow Wing County Fair, and they frequently provide mutual aid to neighboring counties.

Riding members supply their own horse, trailer, and tow vehicle—personally covering all associated expenses. Both riders and horses complete annual evaluations to ensure they meet the Patrol’s high standards of horsemanship, communication, and safety. Auxiliary members provide essential behind-the-scenes support that helps the organization operate efficiently and effectively.

The Mounted Patrol also hosts one of Minnesota’s largest mounted training clinics each year. Their operations are funded entirely through tax-deductible donations and member-organized fundraisers, which support equipment, tack, and continued training.

 

A Customized 3-Day Horsemanship Experience

Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship was honored to host a private clinic for the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol on May 29, 30 & 31. This clinic was completely tailored to the unique needs of mounted law enforcement, blending foundational ground control with purposeful riding to support the demands of public service.

Each day was designed to strengthen communication, improve safety, and enhance readiness for real-world patrol scenarios.

 

Ground Control — Building Trust, Respect & Responsiveness

The clinic began with intensive ground control sessions focusing on the core principles needed to create calm, confident, responsive horses—especially when working in unpredictable or high-pressure situations.

Participants worked through:

• Clear two-way communication

• Reading and influencing body language

• Leading, lunging, and purposeful movement

• Hindquarter and forequarter control

• Softness, yield, and precise responses

• Confidence-building in busy or distracting environments

This foundation set the tone for the remainder of the clinic and strengthened each team’s ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

 

Riding Skills — Precision, Control & Real-World Application

The mounted portion of the clinic built on the groundwork by developing reliability, responsiveness, and trust under saddle. Each rider practiced skills essential for mounted patrol operations, including:

• Obstacle navigation

• Maintaining control in crowds and distractions

• Smooth transitions and balanced movement

• Search and rescue maneuvers

• Riding in unfamiliar or changing environments

• Softness, obedience, and responsiveness

Exercises were personalized to each participant, ensuring riders gained tools directly applicable to their patrol responsibilities.

 

Impact of the Clinic

Hosting this private clinic for the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol was truly an honor.

Over three days, riders strengthened:

• Confidence

• Communication

• Leadership

• Preparedness

• Horse–rider partnership

• Overall safety and effectiveness

Each horse-and-rider team left the clinic more connected, more confident, and more equipped to serve the community with excellence.

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📌 Ready to Join Us? Register Here

👉 Registration Link: https://forms.gle/R1Gf857PEeJiibqS6 

💵 Payment Options

• Checks: Payable to Michelle Jerry Horsemanship
• Cash accepted on the first day of the clinic

• Venmo: @Michelle-Jerry​-1​​​​