PIKE CREEK, Del. – County Executive Tom Gordon is pleased to announce that Carousel Park & Equestrian Center, the New Castle County Police Department, and the Friends of the Mounted Patrol are prepared to host the North American Police Equestrian Conference this weekend.
“We are both proud and humbled that NAPEC would choose Carousel Park to host this prestigious, national competition,” County Executive Gordon said. “We would love for families to attend this free event and watch magnificent horses and mounted patrol units from across American and Canada demonstrate what they can do in our beautiful park.”
New Castle County Police Chief Colonel Elmer Setting, a former commander of the Mounted Patrol, said NAPECA fosters camaraderie amongst mounted patrol units. It also affords people the opportunity of seeing mounted patrol units in all their pageantry, he said.
“All mounted cops share a special bond with their horses, but it’s a difficult job to patrol on the back of a horse,” Colonel Setting said. “They’re out there every day in the toughest neighborhoods, and they bring people out. Kids don’t come out to pet a police car.”
The current NCCPD Mounted Patrol commander, Sgt. Mary Devine, said the equestrian conference this weekend would include equitation, an obstacle course, a uniform competition, and demonstration rides, among other things.
“There’s something for everyone. And who doesn’t love a horse?” Sgt. Devine said. “Both days will be very good. Saturday will open with the uniform inspection, followed by the opening ceremonies and equitation. Sunday will feature obstacles.”
WHO New Castle County Police
WHAT North American Police Equestrian Conference
WHEN 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28
WHERE Carousel Park, 3700 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808
COST Free
-30-