Friends of Metro’s Mounted Unit holds fundraiser

Friday, March 6, 2009 | 11:31 a.m.

Friends of Metro's Mounted Unit, a non-profit organization that supports Metro Police's mounted patrol officers, is hosting its fourth annual obstacle competition fundraiser at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Civilian riders and their horses will have a chance to compete on the same timed obstacle course used by Metro to train its mounted units.

The event is at Horseman's Park, located at 5800 E. Flamingo Road, near Flamingo Road and Boulder Highway.

Horse and rider registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. Entry fees are $45 for competitors age 14 years or younger and $50 for competitors age 15 years or over.

All proceeds will benefit Friends of Metro's Mounted Unit. Spectator admission is free.

Riders will ride through eight to 10 obstacles within a five-minute time frame and be judged by officers from Metro's mounted unit.

The event will also include a mounted shooting exhibition and K-9 unit demonstration, food and drinks for sale and various raffle prizes.

Officer Bill Cassell of Metro said the department's mounted units provide a significant advantage for officers in search and rescue and crowd control situations.

"The officer's ability to see and hear is tremendously improved," Cassell said. "There is no noise from an engine, and they are sitting up high so they can scan a crowd or a desert area."

For more information about the obstacle course fundraiser, visit www.lasvegasmountedpolice.com.

Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or jeff.obrien@hbcpub.com.