About the mounted unit
The Omaha Mounted Patrol was founded by Mayor P.J. Morgan and businessman Donovan Ketzler, beginning as a small part-time program with just two officers and two donated horses. Its early success led to permanent status in 1990.
Since 1989, the unit has played an important role in public safety, assisting with crowd control, traffic enforcement, and arrests. Mounted officers patrol throughout the city, with a strong presence in the Old Market and Riverfront areas, and are a familiar sight at major events like the College World Series, concerts, and community festivals.
With a vantage point of eight feet or more, mounted officers offer increased visibility and mobility, often equating to the effectiveness of seven to ten officers on foot in certain situations.
Today, the unit typically includes ten to twelve horses, six officers, one sergeant, and a civilian barn manager. Since 2005, it has operated from a modern facility built by ConAgra Foods in downtown Omaha, featuring indoor and outdoor training areas, horse stalls, and dedicated operational space for the unit.
Training and Teamwork
Patrol horses undergo extensive, specialized training to prepare for duty. Training begins in an indoor arena, where horses gradually learn to overcome natural fears of loud noises, smoke, obstacles, and unfamiliar terrain. They are carefully desensitized to challenging conditions such as flares, gunfire, fireworks, and heavy smoke.
Crowd control is a key part of their preparation. Horses are trained to push against a large rubber ball, teaching them to apply steady, controlled pressure when safely moving crowds. It can take several months of intensive training before a horse is ready for active duty and earns its place in the unit.
Mounted officers and their horses are frequently deployed in searches for missing persons, suspects, and evidence across open fields, wooded areas, and difficult terrain. Their mobility and elevated vantage point allow them to cover large areas more efficiently than officers on foot.
Beyond enforcement, mounted officers and their horses serve as ambassadors for the department, helping foster positive relationships and strengthen connections within the community.
Diesel
Dumplin
Dumplin
Diesel is the boss of the barn, but sweet as can be! Meet this 16-year-old Percheron/Friesian cross. He stands 17.2 hands high.
His partner is Sgt. Vodicka.
Diesel joined our herd as a donation from the Kansas City Mounted Patrol in January 2020.
Likes: Napping...a lot!
Dislikes: Too much work.
Dumplin
Dumplin
Dumplin
Dumplin is a 16-year-old Belgian cold blood standing 16.2 hands high. She is the only lady in the barn and hails from the peach state of Georgia.
Dumplin's partner is Officer Stickney.
She was purchased with a grant from the First Responders in 2020
Likes: Her sweet tooth loves peppermints!
Dislikes: She hates the cold because she is a southern belle.
Valor
Dumplin
Valor
Valor is a 12-year-old gray Quarter Horse Gelding. He stands 15.1 hands high and has been in the Patrol for 4 years.
His partner is Officer Crick.
Valor was donated to the Unit in 2018 by WoodmenLife.
Likes: Dogs, popsicles and ice cream.
Dislikes: Skateboarders
Wilson
Donovan
Donovan
Meet Wilson, a 6-year-old Bay Roan Clydesdale Gelding from Canada. Wilson stands 17.2 hands. He is mild mannered which is the perfect personality for a patrol horse!
He was purchased from the Mounted Patrol International in Austin, Texas through a generous grant from the First Responders Foundation.
Likes: Wilson is a gentle soul and likes pets.
Dislikes: Having his feet trimmed.
Donovan
Donovan
Donovan
Donovan is named after the founder of the unit - the legend himself - Donovan D. Ketzler! He is an English Shire from Texas and was trained specifically for police work. He is 9 years old and 17.2 hands high.
Donovan was purchased through a grant from the First Responders Foundation in 2021.
Likes: He actually LOVES running!
Dislikes: Drunk and disorderly people.
Zane
Donovan
Zane
Zane is our 15-year-old pretty Palomino Quarter Horse Gelding. He stands 15.3 hands high from Ashland, NE and has been in the Unit for 5 years.
Zane was donated to the Patrol by the Omaha Police Department in 2017.
Likes: dogs, sunbathing, cuddles, hair brushing, massages and playing soccer.
Dislikes: Zane does not like criminals!
Thor
Thor is a 10-year-old Belgian Thoroughbred horse standing 17.2 hands high.
Thor was purchased through a grant from the First Responders Foundation in 2018.
Likes: Running, toys, playing in water and CARROTS!
Dislikes: Green apples
Serving the Omaha Community
