2026 Mounted Patrol Instructor Development Course, Norco, California

 MOUNTED PATROL INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT COURSE

 POST CONTROL #1118-21570-25-001 (Pending)

DATE: September 28, 2026 – October 2, 2026 (Check-in September 27, from 1500 – 1800)

LOCATION: George Ingalls Equestrian Center, 3737 Crestview Drive, Norco CA, 92860.

HOST HOTEL: Fairfield Inn and Suites, 3441 Hamner Avenue, Norco CA, 92860, (951) 340-4500, Rate is $129 + tax per night. Let them know you are with WSMOA.             

LEAD INSTRUCTOR: Lieutenant Joseph Bottoms, Modesto Police Department

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide the student with a thorough understanding of the responsibilities and use of the mounted patrol unit, appropriate tack and equipment, equitation skills, and effective leadership techniques. The course will also develop skills necessary for the successful preparation and coordination of training and deployments. The course will also identify and develop teaching skills related to mounted law enforcement. The course does not certify you as a “Mounted Patrol Instructor.”

NEW REQUIREMENT-EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026:

Current Negative Coggins Test

• Proof of a negative Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) test conducted within the previous 12 months of scheduled event.

Current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI/Health Certificate)

• Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 14 days prior to arrival at the WSMOA school, training, or event, generally valid up to 30 days from the examination date.

• The certificate must verify that the horse:

  • Has been examined by a licensed veterinarian;

  • Is free of clinical signs of infectious or contagious disease; and

  • Has a normal body temperature (typically below 101.5° F).

Documentation Required Upon Arrival

All required health documentation must be presented at check-in before the horse will be permitted onto the event grounds.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Any horse arriving without proof of a current negative Coggins Test and current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection will be denied entry to the facility, will not be permitted on the event grounds, and will not be allowed to participate in any WSMOA school, training or event.

PREREQUISITES: (1) Member or sponsored applicant (sworn, retired or reserve only) for a Law Enforcement Mounted Unit (2) Mount must meet their Unit requirements and be in good health with current vaccinations (3) Rider and Mount must pass a riding proficiency test (4) Rider must have completed the 40 Hour Basic Course and the Mounted Patrol Update Course. Proof of completion of courses must be emailed to freytinawsmoa@gmail.com prior to or at the time of registration (5) No hackamores, bosals or split reins.

CLASS SIZE: Maximum of 16 riders

REGISTRATIONS FEES: Registration opens 7/6/2026: $650.00

Registration after 8/16/2026: $750.00

Your registration fee includes a stall for the week, lunch Monday-Thursday, as well as dinner for two separate nights. Registration will open on July 6, 2025. Registration is first come first served and will be completed online at www.wsmoa.com. There will be a 25% fee assessed for cancellations less than two weeks before the start date. Fees may be transferred to another member of the same organization. Extreme hardships will be considered by a meeting of the Board of Directors. If there is a waiting list for a course roster, applicants for student/horse combinations who have previously completed that same course will be encouraged to enroll in the next appropriate course or may be moved to the waiting list. Each student MUST be a member of WSMOA.

By signing up for this class, I give permission for WSMOA to use my photograph and other media such as film and videos, on WSMOA promotional material, publications and social media, for which it may be suitable.

Questions may be directed directly to Tina Frey, freytinawsmoa@gmail.com