History of the Posse 

Douglas County’s first Sheriff’s Mounted Posse was originally structured as part of the overall search and rescue during the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s. Initially, the organization focused more on foot and vehicle search and rescue. The Mounted Posse eventually disbanded. 

In March 1998 officers of the Sheriff’s Department reestablished the Mounted Posse. Approximately 50 people attended the first meeting, and many of those are still very active members in the Posse today. 

The reorganized Posse’s initial charter was to assist the Sheriff’s Department in crowd control, animal evacuation, and search and rescue. To that end, the Posse conducted numerous desensitizing training sessions for the horses. The ultimate goal was to acclimate the horses to loud noise, lights, and unfamiliar obstacles. 

Posse Mission 

The Posse has evolved over the years. Today, the all-volunteer Mounted Posse continues under the direction of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The mission of the Posse is still to provide mounted and ground-support to the Sheriff as needed. It has expanded its scope to promote charitable and public service activities within the community and to promote health and safety among equine enthusiasts – riding and non-riding. 

Posse in the Community 

Providing support for the Sheriff’s Office may require assistance with a search and rescue operation, animal evacuation during a disaster, or traffic control. 

The Posse participates in many community activities. The Posse represents the Sheriff’s Office in local parades that include the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City, Carson Valley Days, 4th of July in Bridgeport, California and the Johnson Lane Parade in Minden. The Posse has acquired many awards as a result of its parade participation, in addition to providing positive public relations for the Sheriff’s Department. One of the Posse’s most rewarding events is attending the Muscular Dystrophy’s annual Summer Camp for Kids at Lake Tahoe. The children really enjoy seeing the horses and feeding them carrots. 

When not on horseback, the Posse contributes time to numerous community events. A few include: helping at the Carson Valley Food Closet collecting and distributing food to the community, assisting during Halloween at Trick or Treat Safety Street, and working for Project Santa Claus sorting and transporting gifts for local children. 

The Posse is very proud of its scholarship program. The program is open to all to Douglas County students who are of good academic standing and who plan to attend an accredited college to pursue a career in agriculture, animal science or criminal justice. To date over $10,000 has been awarded. 

In order to support the scholarship program, make contributions to the community, and provide training and equipment needs, the Posse must also raise funds. Currently this is done through activities such as providing security and parking cars at the Candy Dance Craft Faire in Genoa, assisting the Corley Ranch with special events, and the Posse’s annual Tack Sale in the spring. 

As a promotion of equine health, the Posse, in conjunction with Great Basin Equine, sponsors semi-annual veterinary clinics at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. During the spring clinic a horse, tack, and trailer sale (swap meet) allows horse owners to buy, sell, or trade their goods and services. 

Training For You and Your Horse 

To effectively support the mission of the DCSMP, Posse members participate in a number of training activities. Ongoing horse desensitizing training prepares the horse and rider for the all types of situations encountered in search and rescue, parades, or trail riding. 

Throughout the year, horsemanship training is provided by an equine professional trainer. The Posse is very safety conscience. Therefore, it is extremely important that Posse members exhibit control and safety with their horses. Horsemanship training is designed to give the rider not only the control but also the confidence necessary to be an effective Posse rider. 

Not all training is in the arena or on horseback. Search and Rescue training is simulated on trail. This type of training is frequently combined with a trail ride and/or overnight campout. Map and compass training sessions are held in the classroom and in the field. Equine first aid classes are conducted by veterinarians, and professional emergency medical personnel provide first aid and CPR training. 

Rules and Guidelines 

Horses must be geldings or mares, no stallions. There are no restrictions on breeds, except for draft horses. Mules or donkeys are not allowed. 

Horses must not possess any traits that would present a danger to the public or Posse members, such as kicking or biting. Horses must be in good health and sound. 

When the Posse Meets 

The Posse meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the Law Enforcement Judicial Building in Minden, Nevada. The meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. Contact us If you would like additional information about the Posse or would like an application, please contact any one of the following Posse members. 

Jerry Palmer, 775-782-2509

Henry Westcott, Vice President 775-827-8966

Mike Murphy, Membership 775-782-1991

Joining the Douglas County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse is an excellent way to serve your community, improve your horsemanship skills and share experiences with people who have the same interest in horses. Being a Posse member a rewarding and fun filled experience. Thank you for your interest.