Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety held a grand opening ceremony for its new Mounted Patrol Unit equine facility in Coupland, Texas, while also welcoming new riders during a graduation event.
Officials said the Coupland facility plays a key role in maintaining training standards and operational readiness for the Texas Highway Patrol’s Mounted Patrol Unit, which supports public safety operations, education, and community outreach across the state.
According to DPS, the newly developed site spans 18 acres and includes a covered riding arena, outdoor training areas, stables, offices, and secured paddocks. The project cost approximately $3 million, covering land acquisition, construction, and renovations.
Colonel Freeman F. Martin highlighted the unit’s role in public engagement and safety, noting that mounted troopers assist with school visits, provide support during funeral services for fallen officers, and help manage crowds and secure the Texas Capitol.
The facility houses 21 horses, with eight assigned to training operations and 13 supporting the Capitol mounted team. That team includes eight troopers and one sergeant responsible for security and crowd control at the Capitol and other events statewide.
Additional mounted teams operate in border regions, including Brackettville, Eagle Pass, and Dilley, where horses are used for tracking and interdiction efforts in large rural areas.
During the ceremony, DPS graduated three equine teams, adding new troopers to the Mounted Patrol Unit. The department also recognized its first civilian equine trainer, Cash Houston, along with his horse Dallas, for earning an Equine Tech Trainer Certification.
Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee said the graduating class completed extensive training and would help carry forward the unit’s mission, describing the milestone as an important investment in both personnel and infrastructure for the future of the program.
