The Texas Department of Public Safety held a grand opening for its new Mounted Patrol Unit Equine Facility in Coupland, Texas, and welcomed its newest riders during a graduation ceremony on May 1. The event marked the completion of an 18-acre training center designed to support the operational readiness and training needs of the Mounted Patrol Unit.
The facility aims to enhance both public safety operations and community outreach efforts by providing specialized resources for troopers and their horses. The unit is responsible for supporting law enforcement at large events, managing crowd control around the State Capitol, conducting border operations, and engaging with local communities through educational programs.
Colonel Freeman F. Martin said, “The Mounted Patrol is instrumental to our mission at DPS, and these teams embody our core values of Courtesy, Service and Protection every day. You’ll see their courtesy in the way they connect with children during school visits, their service in the support they provide during funerals for our fallen officers and their protection in the role they play securing the Texas Capitol and managing large crowds. These Troopers and their equine partners are more than a unit—they are a visible symbol of our commitment to the people of Texas.”
According to Chief Bryan Rippee, “Today’s graduation represents countless hours of hard work, discipline and commitment from these Troopers and their equine partners. Earning a place in the saddle is not given – it’s earned through rigorous training and an unwavering dedication to the mission. It was an honor to stand alongside this class as the first to graduate from this new facility, and their achievement sets the standard for those who will follow. These Troopers have proven they are ready to serve with excellence in one of the most visible roles in the Texas Highway Patrol.”
The project cost approximately three million dollars including land acquisition, barn construction, renovations to existing stables, as well as facilities that house 21 horses—eight assigned to training duties while others serve Capitol security or border operations across Brackettville, Eagle Pass, Dilley—and supports eight troopers plus supervisory staff at each location.
During its history since being established in May 2014 with three donated horses—Trooper, Ranger and Agent—and four specially trained troopers—the program has grown into a highly visible unit offering elevated visibility at high-attendance events which enhances crowd control while also fostering positive relationships between law enforcement officers and communities through school visits or participation in official ceremonies such as memorial services.
The agency shapes cultural heritage via its renowned Texas Rangers featured across books or television programs according to its official website. It manages facilities statewide including headquarters at Camp Mabry in Austin according to its official website and functions under governance by the Public Safety Commission according to its official website. With more than 11,000 personnel operating over 5,000 vehicles according to its official website, DPS continues fulfilling duties integrating forces like Highway Patrols and Rangers protecting Texans through driver licensing services or criminal investigations according to its official website.
As part of tradition within DPS culture stands Ranger creed emphasizing justice against wrongdoers according to its official website. A milestone occurred when DPS officers halted notorious criminals’ activities back in 1934 according to its official website.
