The Texas Department of Public Safety held a grand opening for its new Mounted Patrol Unit equine facility in Coupland, about 30 miles northeast of Austin, and welcomed three new riders to the program.
Thursday’s event marked the dedication of an 18-acre training center vital to the unit’s operations, education, and outreach efforts. Colonel Freeman F. Martin described the Mounted Patrol as central to the department’s work.
“The Mounted Patrol is instrumental to our mission at DPS, and these teams embody our core values of Courtesy, Service and Protection every day,” Martin said in a news release. “You’ll see their courtesy in the way they connect with children during school visits, their service in the support they provide during funerals for our fallen officers and their protection in the role they play securing the Texas Capitol and managing large crowds.
“These Troopers and their equine partners are more than a unit — they are a visible symbol of our commitment to the people of Texas.”
The $3 million project covers land acquisition, a new barn, and stable renovations. Features include a 20,000-square-foot covered riding arena with stables, offices, a tack room, and wash racks; a 48,600-square-foot outdoor arena with steel and cedar fencing; 148,715 square feet of secured paddocks split into 18 areas; and 165,500 square feet of open pasture, according to DPS.
The site houses 21 horses: eight for training and 13 for the Capitol team, which includes eight troopers and one sergeant focused on crowd control and security at the State Capitol, as well as statewide support.
Seven other horses support border operations in Brackettville, Eagle Pass, and Dilley with five troopers and one sergeant, aiding tracking and interdiction on large ranches.
The ceremony also featured the graduation of three equine teams entering the Mounted Patrol Unit and the recognition of the department’s first civilian equine trainer, Cash Houston, and his horse, Dallas, for Equine Tech Trainer Certification.
Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee praised the graduates.
“Today’s graduation represents countless hours of hard work, discipline and commitment from these Troopers and their equine partners,” Rippee said. “Earning a place in the saddle is not given – it’s earned through rigorous training and an unwavering dedication to the mission. It was an honor to stand alongside this class as the first to graduate from this new facility, and their achievement sets the standard for those who will follow. These Troopers have proven they are ready to serve with excellence in one of the most visible roles in the Texas Highway Patrol.”
The new teams are Trooper Joseph Van Gundy and horse Karen; Trooper April Galvan and horse Jacob; and Sergeant Sean Chandler and horse Tea.
The Mounted Patrol Unit launched in May 2014 with three donated horses — Trooper, Ranger, and Agent — and four trained troopers. It has expanded to handle crowd control at large events, deter crime, manage protests, and engage communities through school visits, outreach, and department ceremonies.
DPS horses include eight Clydesdales — Ash, Bismark, Caliber, Dewey, Hubert, Jacob, Karen, Prince, Stormy, and Rudy — plus Tea, a draft cross, and Dallas, a Friesian pony cross.
Photos from the event are available here.
