The United States Park Police is seeking donations for horses to join the agency’s Mounted Unit. The unit patrols national parks and carries out regular patrols and special event assignments in Washington, D.C.

Mounted Unit Commander Lt. Stacey Collins said that the animals would join the unit’s existing herd of 45 horses. Though most are used as patrol horses, some are used as school horses in the unit’s riding academy for officers, she said. The horses are also used in educational programs and take part in competitions with other mounted police units in the United States and Canada. Because the size of the herd fluctuates, the Unit is always in need of new recruits, Collins said.

"We’re always looking for additional horses because some are retired and because the (ranks of) the unit is always increasing," Collins said.

Collins said that prospective patrol horses must be sound, stand at least 15.3 hands and be trained to walk, trot, and canter under saddle. The unit accepts only mares and geldings of all breeds and colors. The age of a prospective patrol horse depends upon its training level and temperament, Collins said