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State Police Seek Donated Horses For Use In Mounted Patrols

Gene J. Puskar
/
AP
Pennsylvania State Police on horses outside of Beaver Stadium before an NCAA college football game between Penn STate and the Michigan State in State College, Pa.

The Pennsylvania State Police are asking for donated horses to join a Hershey-based mounted patrol unit.

The agency on Wednesday issued a call for geldings between 5 and 15 years old. Officials say draft horses or draft-crosses are preferable.

The 26-horse unit performs searches, crowd control, security and patrols, as well as participates in parades and similar events.

Horses have to be at least 16 hands tall, which is 5 feet 4 inches at the shoulder, and can't be 18 hands or larger.

They must be able to be safely housed with others horses in a stable.

They'll undergo a veterinary exam and a 120-day trial to see if they're suitable.

Those interested in donating should contact Cpl. Carrie Neidigh, cneidigh@pa.gov.

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