WARWICK expatriate Senior Sergeant Mark Paroz provided commentary as the horses and riders of the mounted police division were put through regular training routines during the Warwick Combined Probus Club’s visit.
The horses become familiar with a variety of road surfaces, narrow bridges, hanging ribbons, operating in tight enclosed spaces, and opening gates at the police training facility at Moggill, according to Arthur Maynard of the Probus Club.
“They are trained to stand steady when subjected to sudden loud noises, flying projectiles, and objects such as flags and balls touching their legs, bodies and heads,” he said.
“Mounted police officers conduct regular beat patrols, and assist in crowd control when required.
“Training in formation riding prepares the horses for ceremonial duties and parades. In a meet and greet, we were free to meet with the horses and officers who answered a variety of questions about their duties, and the nature and temperament of their horses.
“After inspecting the stables we boarded the coach for the short drive to Lone Pine Koala sanctuary which many had not visited since they were teenagers or young parents.
“En route to the police training facility at Moggill, many members had their first experience of travel on Mt Crosby Road.
“We were treated to magnificent views of rural Brisbane as we travelled up and down hills, and crossed the Brisbane River at College’s Crossing.
“We did not trust the GPS to take us to Lone Pine, so we took the scenic route to eventually arrive at Lone Pine for two hours in the sanctuary grounds viewing Australian native fauna including a Tasmanian devil, dingoes, platypus, koalas, snakes, kangaroos, emus and a variety of reptiles and lizards.
“One member of the group had her lunch stolen from her cool pack by a brush turkey which then had to fight other birds to retain the spoils.
“Talks and demonstrations by sanctuary staff held at frequent intervals provided an opportunity to learn more about the animal world.
“The park is well kept, with the animals apparently well cared for and with adequate space. Other visitors to the park were predominately international tourists and backpackers.”
