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Desensitization Training - Water Desensitization Training - Flying Streamers Desensitization Training - Clattering Noises and Bright Colors Desensitization Training - Large Colored Ball Desensitization Training - Objects Touching Them Desensitization Training - Being Struck Desensitization Training - Flares Desensitization Training - Smoke Desensitization Training - Nighttime Desensitization Training - Fireworks
You might not know, but most horses are naturally shy of water. A dark pool of water to a horse is a deep dark hole that the horse will never return from. The blue tarp in this exercise resembles water to the horse. The rider patiently works with the horse to walk across the tarp. Horses are naturally concerned about things that are high or moving. In this this exercise, the rider must work with the horse to get it to move through the black waiving streamers. Horses are naturally concerned about flashy colors and clattering noises, particularly if they are behind the horse. Here the horses learn that neither will harm them. As stated earlier, horses are naturally concerned about objects with bright colors, especially if they move. Here the horse learns that the brightly colored large ball will not hurt them. Once they overcome their initial concern, many horses then enjoy playing with ball. In this exercise the horses are desensitized to objects touching them. The police horse must be resistive to someone striking it. Here the trainer begins by striking the horse lightly with a soft object on its chest. The trainer then gradually increases the force while the rider walks the horse forward. The bright red light, smoke and smell that emits from flares can be of natural concern to a horse. In this exercise the horses learn to trust its rider to safely navigate them both through the flares. Smoke is of natural concern to a horse because of its odor and because it clouds their vision. Here the horse learns that the smoke will not harm them, and to develop trust in its rider. All obstacles that are presented to the horse during the day are then again presented at night. Imagine yourself in darkness when someone sets off fireworks that spin, hiss and pop. Would that frighten you? It is naturally frightening to a horse. Through this exercise, the horse learns not only that the spinning monster will not hurt them, but they develop trust in their rider. The Mounted Officer must always be prepared to use his/her firearm when the situation warrants. Here Officers learn how to safely and accurately fire their sidearms from on top of the horse, as well as behind the horse using the animal's body as cover. Mounted Officers learn how to apprehend fleeing suspects, search suspects, apply handcuffs and escort persons all without dismounting from the horse. Mounted Officers learn how to safely conduct traffic stops and approach suspicious vehicles.
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