The rider and the horse must undergo rigorous training and pass specific exams in order to travel safely in the territory of the Island of Montréal.

Rider’s training

To be accepted as a cavalry patroller, an SPVM officer must pass:

• the level 1 classical riding exam
• a medical exam
• a physical aptitude test
• an equestrian test

The riders train twice a month with their mounts. This training deals with the following areas:

• mounting
• desensitization of the horses (placards, balloons, noise, music, flags, etc.)
• work in formation (teams of 2 or 4 and lines)

Horse training

When a new horse arrives at the stable, it goes through a trial period (of between 2 and 4 weeks) to test its aptitudes in the urban environment and its behaviour in the stable.

The horse begins training as soon as it arrives. The training is adjusted to suit the horse’s strengths and weaknesses, and focuses on the following areas:

• tolerance for noise, vehicles, people, static and moving objects
• crowd control operations

The horse remains in training for about a year, after which, depending on its performance and abilities, it will be kept or rejected from the cavalry. Since horses are unpredictable animals, it is crucial that the chosen horses have a very calm temperament.

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