Horses have been authorized for use by the St. Louis County Park Rangers as a means of patrol in the County Parks. These horses are the property of the St. Louis County Department of Parks and Recreation. Prior to certification as a mounted ranger and assignment of a mount, individuals must complete a program of practical training.

A ranger who wants to be part of the mounted patrol must first prove to be a competent park ranger by completion of the park ranger probationary period. A ranger considering joining the mounted unit must realize that this position is much more demanding of the individual ranger. He/she must be familiar with all of the Department policies and procedures in order to effectively function as a mounted ranger. This would include a thorough knowledge of the information found in the park ranger manual.

A mounted ranger is much more visible to the public than a ranger on foot or vehicle patrol. He/she will draw more attention and have more personal contact with park visitors than any other Department employee. It is, therefore, imperative that the mounted ranger reflect the best possible attitude, a neat appearance and the ability to serve the park visitor as effectively as possible. In order to determine these factors, persons being considered for the mounted unit will be reviewed to determine if there have been any problems in the employee's employment history.

The seniority of a particular ranger will be considered in situations when two or more rangers under consideration appear to be equally suited for the position. It should be noted that a ranger with more seniority should have more vast knowledge of the Department procedures and policies and has more time to qualify themselves in terms of expertise.

Ranger Responsibilities

1. Care and maintenance of all assigned tack.
2. Cleaning and grooming of assigned horse.
3. Ensuring the safety and well being of horses when on duty.
4. Cleaning of stalls and the stable area.
5. Advising Mounted Unit Coordinator of farrier and veterinary needs.
6. Advising ranger supervisor when weather or conditions become such that mounted patrol is ineffective or unrealistic.
7. Thorough knowledge of the directives, policies and guidelines outlined in the mounted ranger manual.
8. Putting assigned horses in appropriate paddock or corral at the end of the workday, keep stalls clean and dry and feed appropriate amounts of feed.
9. Cleaning of horse trailer and related equipment after each use.

Mounted Unit Coordinator Responsibilities

1. Maintaining an active inventory of all assigned tack, bench stock and transporting equipment.
2. Making arrangements for the giving of shots, worming and acquiring veterinary services when necessary.
3. Handling all arrangements for the shoeing of horses.
4. Overall responsibility for proper care and physical condition of horses, stables and supplies.
5. Advising appropriate operations personnel prior to the removal and delivery of horses to various parks.
6. Evaluate on-hand stock and perspective donations and make recommendations.
7. Basic and refresher training of riders and mounts.

The mounted unit is involved in many special events put on by the Parks Department. Along with these events, daily patrols are a big part of mounted duty. Regular patrols on horseback in the Parks is expected. A daily check with the on duty supervisor gets the Mounted Ranger his/her assigned area of patrol for the day. The unit is not limited to the County Parks. Many outside agencies request the mounted unit to participate in parades, community days, fairs, etc.

Donations

The St. Louis County Park Rangers are always looking to add to the mounted unit by way of a new horse. Donations of young, sound and broke horses are accepted on a trial basis before accepting the horse for full time use. Outstanding horses as to disposition, soundness, breed and age are also considered for purchase by the department as ranger horses. All donations are tax deductible.

See you in the parks!!!!!!