Briefing Room

Operations Support

Saddles

The last saddles we purchased were Marathon Endurance English Saddles. The ones we selected were the Campbell "Paragon" No. 980 in 18" size seat. We ended up paying the low bid of $633.33 each. The high bid was $925 each. I suggest that you also include the girth, stirrups, and stirrup straps in this bid information. Everything will match better when you do it that way.

Bridles

We prefer leather over the nylon. We also ride with double reins as we feel it gives us more control when riding in the street. We use the Paramex company custom made bridles. Paramex is located at 38 Curtis Parkway, Miami Springs, Fl. 33166, (305) 887-3420. They will make up what you want and ship it to you. They run about $140 each which includes the double reins. The horse in our wanted poster is wearing one to give you an idea what they look like. They also make the breast strap we use and they cost about $50 to 60 each.

Headgear

We use two types of headgear when riding. Our everyday hat is a straw hat made by Stratton Hats Inc. 3200 W. Randolph, Bellwood, Illinois 60104, phone (708) 544-5220. They are the campaign style Mountie hat. Each officer gets a new one every year.

The helmet we selected is the Lexington ventilated schooling helmet in the white color for visibility at night. They run about $65 each. You can find these is most horse supply catelogs. If you shop around you can find others a little less expensive and of a style you might like better. All of these equestrian helmets are extremely lightweight and provide the necessary protection for the officer.

Boots

Officers in our unit are expected to purchase our own boots. Most of us have more than one pair, and that gets expensive as some cost over $300. I have found the Manfield by Eiser's dress boot No. 857073 regular width calf or 857074 wide calf to be well made and they cost $170. You can order them by calling Eiser's at 1-800-526-6987, and finding out the nearest supplier to you. They are located at 200 Kiwanis Blvd. PO Box T Hazelton, Pa. 18201. They have a large catalog which you might want to order also.

Bits

We use a Pelham Mullen Mouth 5" bit on most of our horses. As you know bits are something you have to experiment with and you should make your own personal choice on that depending on what works best on a particular horse. Keep in mind however that control is very important. Price about $43.00 each.

Blankets and Pads

We use a black colored heavy wool under blanket which goes on first, followed by a brown blanket cover with side pockets where they have sewn on our police patch. These brown over pads match our brown uniform shirt. We then use a white foam therapeutic pad for extra cushioning for the horse and then finally the saddle.

I recommend you buy good blankets as they will last for years if cared for properly. We purchase ours from B&R Industries 4178 N.W. 132 Street, Opa Locka, Fl. 33054, phone (800) 583-2555 or FAX (305) 688-4170. You can call for a price list and product information. They have a variety of colored over pads which would match your uniform shirts, they will custom make anything you may want, and their prices are very reasonable. Stay with the dark colors as they do not show the dirt. You might get an idea of what these pads look like from the brochure they will send you. They also make reflective leg wraps for the horse to wear when on night duty.

Briefing Room

Operations Support