INDIANAPOLIS — The IMPD Mounted Horse Patrol Association is hosting its annual Polo at Sunset. In the past, the event has been hosted at Hickory Hall Polo Grounds in Whitestown and has raised about $30,000 toward the IMPD Mounted Patrol. In compliance with Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, this year’s event will allow for social distancing. There will be no food or drinks served this year.
Tailgating space is still available. There are two primary options available: a $300 premiere spot on the west side of the field and $100 tailgate spots on the east side. Additional first-come, first-serve space and “lawn seating” is available on the ends of the east side starting at $20.
All of the proceeds benefit the IMPD Mounted Patrol for the purchase and care of horses, training, and supplies. More information, VIP tickets, and sponsorships are available now at impdmountedpatrol.org.
The IMPD Mounted Horse Patrol teams are an important part of proactive policing. Horse patrols along greenways, in a park, neighborhoods, and at special events provide citizens a chance to meet officers in a non-threatening way. The horse patrols also work crowd control at events, ride in memorial or funeral processions, visit schools and community centers, and regularly patrol downtown streets. There are nine horses currently in the unit
Currently, the patrol has more time for neighborhood visits than usual, since there are fewer events downtown. For your neighborhood to get a visit, reach out to your IMPD District office. Recently, the Mounted Patrol visited the Little Flower neighborhood to greet children and families out on a sunny day. Horses Ramsey and Finn were happy to meet everyone who came out to say hello. Kids were delighted to hear the clip-clop of hooves on a summer day to break up their day!
Keep up to date on the Horse Patrol by following their Facebook page. Finn and Buzz, two horses in the unit, have individual Facebook pages.
The IMPD Horse Patrol Association funds expenses with the horses. The City funds the cost of food, horseshoes, and some facility maintenance, but doesn’t cover all the expenses of the horse patrol. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Horse Patrol Association, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)3 caretaker organization dedicated to the continued funding and success of the Indianapolis Mounted Patrol Unit. The HPA helps raise money to fund healthcare, food, shelter, equipment, and training for both officers and horses.
