There’s a new horse on Ocean City, Maryland’s Police Force. His favorite snacks are apples and his brother was already a member of the team. Any guesses? It’s Buckshot of course!
The New Guy in Town
Everyone has seen the immaculate beauty of the police horses here in Ocean City, Maryland. Well there’s a new guy in town and his name is Buckshot. Buckshot is a 10-year-old shire horse that just started his new job patrolling the boardwalk this Spring.
A Long Journey to Ocean City, Maryland
Buckshot is originally from DGS Shire Farm in Collinsville, OK, over 1,300 miles away from OCMD. He made his trip to Ocean City to join his younger brother, Storm, who has been on the force for a few years now. Since their reunion, the two have been inseparable. When they are not patrolling the boardwalk and other local areas, the horse fleet stays at a local farm in Bishopville, Maryland.
Training and More Training
Before Buckshot’s job actually begins, officers such as Pcf. Rodden, receive extensive training. It’s based on an officer’s starting riding ability. They then move on to four months of police mounted training. Any officer trained is able to ride Buckshot or any other horses on the fleet. As far as training for Buckshot and his companions, police horses receive extensive training in desensitization. And like many jobs, training of the horses never really ends. Every interaction is training and needs to remain consistent. Officers and horses alike need the highest level of patience when working with one another. One out of fifteen horses are cut before making the riding team due to the strict qualifications.
Buckshot will be working in the Ocean City area for as long as he can. Health and ability to patrol are taken into account as to how long a horse will remain in active duty. Anyone visiting the Ocean City area will have the opportunity to see Buckshot in action patrolling all summer long.
Fun Facts About Buckshot
Buckshot is 16.1 hands tall- that’s 64 inches. With that height, Buckshot fits the height requirements for both the Slingshot ride on the boardwalk and the Tidal Wave Rollercoaster by 20 inches! He weights about 1,300 pounds which is equivalent to about 393 large buckets of Thrashers French Fries or 945 large Dumsers milkshakes!
Member Round Up
And of course we can’t forget other members of the fleet. Look out this summer for Benson, Moose, Storm, Riptide, and of course Buckshot keeping a vigilant eye out on the Ocean City, Maryland boardwalk.
Horse History
The Ocean City Police Department has had a mounted unit since 1984, and began with only three riders and four horses. And at one point, police officers used to give out trading cards with the horses’ photo and names on them, much like baseball cards. It was a way to remember which member of the fleet you met, but also a great opportunity for police force members to connect with the public.
