35 Hour Rural Mounted Training Course - Graham Hill Showgrounds
Date: Thursday, October 23rd through Sunday, October 26th, 2025.
Location: Graham Hill Showgrounds County Equestrian Park, 1145 Graham Hill Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Host Agency: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office
Lead Instructor: Mark Lilga (Monterey County Sheriff’s Department), JD Cooper, San Jose PD/ Campbell PD (retired)
POST Control Number: POST credit is not currently available for this course.
Course Description: This course is designed to provide the student with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for the rural mounted officer, deputy, or volunteer in the areas of horsemanship and rural mounted Search and Rescue. The class is designed to have a rotating course of topics. This year’s class will provide students with a thorough understanding of the responsibilities and use of the mounted patrol unit in the areas which include equitation, search and rescue (ICS), bone identification, and equine first aid.
Prerequisites: Must be a current WSMOA member. Rider must be able to demonstrate control of their mount in close quarters with other mounted teams, as well as be able to exercise safety and control over their mounts when separating from other mounted teams. Riders and their mount must be a member of a law enforcement mounted unit (SAR/Posse/Sworn) and deployable as such.
Registration Information: Registration will open on July 28th, 2025. Registration is $375.00 when completed by September 19th, 2025 and increases to $425.00 after that date. Members currently serving in rural assignments will be given registration priority, be they peace officer or volunteer. Current WSMOA membership is required in order to apply.
The fee includes a stall for the week and dinner Wednesday and Saturday. (Attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish to share for Wednesday night dinner)
The course schedule will be:
Wednesday: Check-in after 1400 hours . Meet and Greet dinner 1700 hours.
Thursday: Class 0800 - 1700
Friday: Class 0800 – 2100
Saturday: Class 0800 - 1800
Sunday: Class 0800 – 1200 (break camp and depart at 1200 hours)
Monday: Optional departure by 1000 hours for students traveling long distances. ($25 stall fee for the extra night)
Graham Hill Showgrounds County Equestrian Park (aka Santa Cruz County Horseman’s Associate is a county horse campground facility that trailheads into Henry Cowell State Park. Riding time in the park will be worked into the schedule to enjoy the park and the park may be used for search exercises.
Camping: Camping onsite is required. (This is a Rural Mounted SAR class) Dry camping is included with your registration from Wednesday October 23 to Sunday October 26, 2025. There are no electrical hookups although generators can be used in identified areas. Stalls and camp sites may be assigned by staff. There is room for tent camping, cab-over campers, and living quarter rigs. There are shower and bathroom facilities onsite. Attendees are encouraged to pack and camp as if they were on a SAR mission. (Well-mannered dogs, on-leash, are welcome. Dogs must be secured in a camper, trailer or dog crate during classes.) Please contact Jd Cooper with your method of camping and rig size. cooperwsmoa@gmail.com Attendees are encouraged to pack and camp as if they were on a SAR mission.
Course Confirmation: When you have been confirmed on the roster you will receive a confirmation letter which will include detailed logistics and any required equipment.
By submitting an application, the applicant has affirmed they and their mount have met all requirements of their unit and are fit for duty with appropriate and safe equipment.
Registered participants who cancel two or more weeks prior to the first day of training will be assessed a 25% fee. Absent extreme hardship, no refunds will be given less than two weeks prior to the first day of training.
Persons/organizations claiming an extreme hardship shall make an appeal in writing to the WSMOA Board of Directors. As an option to cancellation, registration fees may be transferred to another member of the same organization.
A waiting list may be established in the event the class fills. The class is limited to 26 students, each with one horse.
Thank you for your interest in applying for this training. If you have any questions regarding registration, please email freytinawsmoa@gmail.com or cooperwsmoa@gmail.com.
POST credit is not currently available for this class. The instructors were selected, based upon their expertise and will present each topic, using the best practices standard.
Date: Thursday, October 23rd through Sunday, October 26th, 2025.
Location: Graham Hill Showgrounds County Equestrian Park, 1145 Graham Hill Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Host Agency: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office
Lead Instructor: Mark Lilga (Monterey County Sheriff’s Department), JD Cooper, San Jose PD/ Campbell PD (retired)
POST Control Number: POST credit is not currently available for this course.
Course Description: This course is designed to provide the student with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for the rural mounted officer, deputy, or volunteer in the areas of horsemanship and rural mounted Search and Rescue. The class is designed to have a rotating course of topics. This year’s class will provide students with a thorough understanding of the responsibilities and use of the mounted patrol unit in the areas which include equitation, search and rescue (ICS), bone identification, and equine first aid.
Prerequisites: Must be a current WSMOA member. Rider must be able to demonstrate control of their mount in close quarters with other mounted teams, as well as be able to exercise safety and control over their mounts when separating from other mounted teams. Riders and their mount must be a member of a law enforcement mounted unit (SAR/Posse/Sworn) and deployable as such.
Registration Information: Registration will open on July 28th, 2025. Registration is $375.00 when completed by September 19th, 2025 and increases to $425.00 after that date. Members currently serving in rural assignments will be given registration priority, be they peace officer or volunteer. Current WSMOA membership is required in order to apply.
The fee includes a stall for the week and dinner Wednesday and Saturday. (Attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish to share for Wednesday night dinner)
The course schedule will be:
Wednesday: Check-in after 1400 hours . Meet and Greet dinner 1700 hours.
Thursday: Class 0800 - 1700
Friday: Class 0800 – 2100
Saturday: Class 0800 - 1800
Sunday: Class 0800 – 1200 (break camp and depart at 1200 hours)
Monday: Optional departure by 1000 hours for students traveling long distances. ($25 stall fee for the extra night)
Graham Hill Showgrounds County Equestrian Park (aka Santa Cruz County Horseman’s Associate is a county horse campground facility that trailheads into Henry Cowell State Park. Riding time in the park will be worked into the schedule to enjoy the park and the park may be used for search exercises.
Camping: Camping onsite is required. (This is a Rural Mounted SAR class) Dry camping is included with your registration from Wednesday October 23 to Sunday October 26, 2025. There are no electrical hookups although generators can be used in identified areas. Stalls and camp sites may be assigned by staff. There is room for tent camping, cab-over campers, and living quarter rigs. There are shower and bathroom facilities onsite. Attendees are encouraged to pack and camp as if they were on a SAR mission. (Well-mannered dogs, on-leash, are welcome. Dogs must be secured in a camper, trailer or dog crate during classes.) Please contact Jd Cooper with your method of camping and rig size. cooperwsmoa@gmail.com Attendees are encouraged to pack and camp as if they were on a SAR mission.
Course Confirmation: When you have been confirmed on the roster you will receive a confirmation letter which will include detailed logistics and any required equipment.
By submitting an application, the applicant has affirmed they and their mount have met all requirements of their unit and are fit for duty with appropriate and safe equipment.
Registered participants who cancel two or more weeks prior to the first day of training will be assessed a 25% fee. Absent extreme hardship, no refunds will be given less than two weeks prior to the first day of training.
Persons/organizations claiming an extreme hardship shall make an appeal in writing to the WSMOA Board of Directors. As an option to cancellation, registration fees may be transferred to another member of the same organization.
A waiting list may be established in the event the class fills. The class is limited to 26 students, each with one horse.
Thank you for your interest in applying for this training. If you have any questions regarding registration, please email freytinawsmoa@gmail.com or cooperwsmoa@gmail.com.
POST credit is not currently available for this class. The instructors were selected, based upon their expertise and will present each topic, using the best practices standard.
Date: Thursday, October 23rd through Sunday, October 26th, 2025.
Location: Graham Hill Showgrounds County Equestrian Park, 1145 Graham Hill Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Host Agency: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office
Lead Instructor: Mark Lilga (Monterey County Sheriff’s Department), JD Cooper, San Jose PD/ Campbell PD (retired)
POST Control Number: POST credit is not currently available for this course.
Course Description: This course is designed to provide the student with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for the rural mounted officer, deputy, or volunteer in the areas of horsemanship and rural mounted Search and Rescue. The class is designed to have a rotating course of topics. This year’s class will provide students with a thorough understanding of the responsibilities and use of the mounted patrol unit in the areas which include equitation, search and rescue (ICS), bone identification, and equine first aid.
Prerequisites: Must be a current WSMOA member. Rider must be able to demonstrate control of their mount in close quarters with other mounted teams, as well as be able to exercise safety and control over their mounts when separating from other mounted teams. Riders and their mount must be a member of a law enforcement mounted unit (SAR/Posse/Sworn) and deployable as such.
Registration Information: Registration will open on July 28th, 2025. Registration is $375.00 when completed by September 19th, 2025 and increases to $425.00 after that date. Members currently serving in rural assignments will be given registration priority, be they peace officer or volunteer. Current WSMOA membership is required in order to apply.
The fee includes a stall for the week and dinner Wednesday and Saturday. (Attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish to share for Wednesday night dinner)
The course schedule will be:
Wednesday: Check-in after 1400 hours . Meet and Greet dinner 1700 hours.
Thursday: Class 0800 - 1700
Friday: Class 0800 – 2100
Saturday: Class 0800 - 1800
Sunday: Class 0800 – 1200 (break camp and depart at 1200 hours)
Monday: Optional departure by 1000 hours for students traveling long distances. ($25 stall fee for the extra night)
Graham Hill Showgrounds County Equestrian Park (aka Santa Cruz County Horseman’s Associate is a county horse campground facility that trailheads into Henry Cowell State Park. Riding time in the park will be worked into the schedule to enjoy the park and the park may be used for search exercises.
Camping: Camping onsite is required. (This is a Rural Mounted SAR class) Dry camping is included with your registration from Wednesday October 23 to Sunday October 26, 2025. There are no electrical hookups although generators can be used in identified areas. Stalls and camp sites may be assigned by staff. There is room for tent camping, cab-over campers, and living quarter rigs. There are shower and bathroom facilities onsite. Attendees are encouraged to pack and camp as if they were on a SAR mission. (Well-mannered dogs, on-leash, are welcome. Dogs must be secured in a camper, trailer or dog crate during classes.) Please contact Jd Cooper with your method of camping and rig size. cooperwsmoa@gmail.com Attendees are encouraged to pack and camp as if they were on a SAR mission.
Course Confirmation: When you have been confirmed on the roster you will receive a confirmation letter which will include detailed logistics and any required equipment.
By submitting an application, the applicant has affirmed they and their mount have met all requirements of their unit and are fit for duty with appropriate and safe equipment.
Registered participants who cancel two or more weeks prior to the first day of training will be assessed a 25% fee. Absent extreme hardship, no refunds will be given less than two weeks prior to the first day of training.
Persons/organizations claiming an extreme hardship shall make an appeal in writing to the WSMOA Board of Directors. As an option to cancellation, registration fees may be transferred to another member of the same organization.
A waiting list may be established in the event the class fills. The class is limited to 26 students, each with one horse.
Thank you for your interest in applying for this training. If you have any questions regarding registration, please email freytinawsmoa@gmail.com or cooperwsmoa@gmail.com.
POST credit is not currently available for this class. The instructors were selected, based upon their expertise and will present each topic, using the best practices standard.