By Chris Randall — Correspondent
Visitors to storied Walden Pond probably expect to see herons and kingfishers, squirrels and chipmunks, frogs and turtles.
The horses might come as a surprise.
They’re with the State Police’s Walden Mounted Unit, under the command of Lieutenant Michael Sonia. The unit uses Walden as a training ground for its horses and troopers.
“The key to training a police horse,” Sonia says, “is repeated exposure to a wide variety of settings, terrains, and situations. Here at Walden, our patrols climb hills, bushwhack, walk through mud and sand, and learn to be comfortable in crowds. Every day is a training day.”
A different dynamic
“The horses really change the dynamic in the park,” says Trooper Alexa Harvey. “People respond to them more as pets. They pet them, smile at us, pose for pictures, and chat with us. The horses like the attention, and we like that the horses are learning to be comfortable with having strangers close to them and touching them.”
She says most people “are understandably cautious at first. We let them know that it’s OK to approach and touch and interact with the horses.”
On a recent visit to Walden, a Lexington family — including a grandmother visiting from India — spotted the horses, the young grandchildren gazing in wide-eyed amazement.
Trooper Olivia Vazquez beckoned the kids over. Reluctant at first, they grew bolder and approached, reassured by the troopers’ encouragements and seeing that the horses stayed calm. They petted Lenny, a seasoned, 16-year-old police horse, for several delighted minutes.
Saddled with responsibility
“Here at Walden,” Sonia says, “our primary responsibility is helping to keep the park a family-friendly place. Most often, that means reminding people of the rules — things like no alcohol, dogs, open fires, drones, excessive noise, or public nudity. We also make sure people comply with beach closings and parking guidelines.”
The patrol also “responds to emergencies, such as a lost child or drownings,” says Sonia, who has been with the Mounted Unit for 20 years. “With the horses, we can quickly get into the back areas of Walden, Fairhaven Bay, and Flint Pond in Lincoln.”
The State Police’s Mounted Unit has 15 seasonal and seven year-round troopers, serving throughout the state as needed, Sonia says. For example, it patrols Horseneck and Salisbury Beaches and helps manage crowds at gatherings such as parades, concerts at the Boston Garden, and sporting events in Foxboro.
In addition to patrolling Walden, the unit occasionally visits other parts of Concord. It has participated in parades and reenactments, and there are plans for the unit to help with next year’s 250th celebration events.
“Every day,” Sonia says, “I’m grateful to be here, riding these amazing horses, protecting this diverse park, and helping people enjoy this beautiful place.”
