Portland Mounted Police Unit

Our homeschool group had a field trip to the Portland Mounted Patrol Unit, which is always a solid hit with the kids.  They offer free tours for up to 25 people on Thursdays at 11AM, and they are very popular.  Budget cuts are always threatening the unit, and private donations have so far saved it from the chopping block.  People love horses, and tend to feel more positive towards officers doing their patrols on horseback. Also these horses are very useful in riots, for which they are specially trained.  The tours offer the public a chance to meet many of these elegant animals, and learn all about how they are cared for.