ride for the badge
Join
A.V. Volunteer Mounted Posse
what we do
The AV Volunteer Mounted Posse was formed in 1998. For the last 21 years, members have been "Riding for the Badge" helping to promote a positive quality of life in our high desert communities. We're looking for a few good men and women to join us.
Posse members use their horses to ride Mounted Observation Patrol at local events, parks and shopping center areas. We help make our community safer by deterring crime with our high profile presence, and we promote positive public relations for local law enforcement. People love horses and appreciate our presence!
We train our horses to be calm and controlled in a public environment. We ride a variety of places from trails through Vasquez Rocks County Park to the grassy areas and asphalt paths at Apollo Park. We patrol the business areas around the AV Mall and we ride in local parades in Lancaster, Lake Los Angeles, Littlerock, Leona Valley, Acton, Agua Dulce and others.
We expose local youth to the wonder of horses and use the parallels of working with horses to illustrate and emphasize life lessons in leadership and trust, communication and understanding, courage and perseverance, and forgiveness and love. Horses can teach us so much!
We Ride For the Badge
Back in the day when LA Sheriffs began
There was more than one horse for every man.
A saddle was part of a deputy’s gear
And riding is how you got from there to here.
A cop on a horse is not so common today
A dying breed, some might say.
But thanks to a few deputies, volunteers and reserves
Riding is still how some of us serve.
We use our own horses, buy their tack and their feed
Pay for their shoes and vaccines and whatever they need.
We ride for the badge and we do it with pride
We do what it takes because deep down inside we know we make a difference.
What does it take to ride for the badge? It takes a horse that’s solid and true
A horse that stays with you uphill and down
A partner through desert, city or town
A horse that stays calm with kids all around
and helps when we wrestle a crook to the ground.
A horse that has learned when to walk and to run
And to stay with its partner when shooting a gun.
A horse that is brave beyond its instinct
One that’s part human, that has learned how to think.
To have a horse like this we must learn how to lead
A skill the Sheriff says all of us need.
To see things from another’s point of view
To set it up so the right thing is easier to do.
To know when the horse has given a try
To be honest so the horse knows we won’t lie.
The horse shows us our weakness and where we must grow
Demands from us our best because the horse knows when we know.
A tradition of leadership we work hard to keep
We ride for the badge while others may sleep.
We keep the tradition through blood sweat and tears
Because LA Sheriffs have been riding horses for 156 years!
Sgt. Dave Sauer 2006
"There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man"
(and woman)
sir winston churchill
faq's
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements?
- At least 18 years old
- Have a valid California Driver's License
- Have auto and medical insurance
- No felony criminal history or gang affiliation
- Financially, Emotionally & Psychologically stable
- Desire to serve and make a difference
Do I need a horse?
While most members have a horse and "Ride for the Badge" we have a place for members who do not ride. Non riding members serve as ground support at trainings and events, participate in recruiting and fundraising activities, and serve on a variety of team committees to help move the mission forward.
Do I need special training?
We provide all the training you need. We train you in radio and patrol procedures, traffic control, and how to write handicap parking violation citations. We train in Troop Drill and riding in formation for parades, and we provide trailer towing training, too. At our monthly training days we help you train your horse and improve your riding skills if needed.
What is the time commitment?
Members are expected to attend a monthly meeting the first Tuesday of the month at Palmdale Sheriff's Station and serve a minimum of 4 hours in the saddle each month. We generally have one training day each month, and although optional, most members find it a highlight activity. Members schedule themselves for when and where to patrol, coordinating with each other through an online team calendar.
What kind of horse do I need?
- At least four years old, in good health and appearance
- At least 14.2 hands and adequate size for the rider
- No Stallions
- Solid trail horses that have been exposed to a variety of terrain and locations generally do well. The important thing is for a horse to be controllable when they get excited. We have no breed or color requirement.
Do you accept donations?
YES! We accept donations of money, goods and services. We use money to buy needed equipment and supplies and we offer goods and services as prizes in our fundraising raffles. Any support is greatly appreciated. We are a 501(c)3 organization through our Palmdale Sheriff's Boosters, Inc. so all donations are tax deductible. You can donate through this website below.
get started
Give us your info and our Membership Coordinator will call and get you started.
Social Feed
Check out our latest updates!
© 2019