Horses and their pastures contribute to the Park’s rural agrarian atmosphere, harking back to the Civil War era.

Well Being and Care: Manassas maintains the highest standards of care for its equine partners. The living conditions are carefully managed to provide a safe and comfortable environment. By maintaining this strict care, the Park ensures the horses can continue serving effectively and comfortably.

Did you know? - Horses need to be professionally reshod every six weeks.

Regular care is essential to prevent hoof damage, discomfort, and lameness. Without proper attention, a horse’s health can severely suffer, damaging its ability to perform patrol duties and interact with visitors.

Law Enforcement and Patrol: Horses are essential law enforcement partners, assisting Rangers patrol the more than 40 acres of trails on the Park. Each horse undergoes specialized training to handle diverse challenges, assist in crowd control, and provide a reliable presence in the Park's vast terrain.

Manassas National Battlefield Park's equestrian program is one of approximately seven remaining in the entire National Park Service, making it critical for maintaining the tradition and function of equine law enforcement in national parks.

The Park also offers a retreat space for officers to unwind after stressful events, where they can spend time with the horses, aiding their emotional and psychological well-being. The Law Enforcement Ranger in charge of the program is trained in peer-to-peer counseling, offering valuable support to fellow officers.

Visitor Interaction and Community Engagement: Visitors can better understand the battlefield’s historical significance through direct interactions with horses. The horses’ approachable nature makes them ideal ambassadors for the Park, facilitating meaningful exchanges between visitors and Park staff.

Manassas National Battlefield Park partners with local law enforcement agencies to share the horses. This collaboration enhances law enforcement in the region, providing support during events and emergencies. By forging these partnerships, the Park better serves the community and ensures the safety of all visitors.

Living History Demonstrations: The equestrian program offers compelling living history demonstrations that showcase the lives and duties of Civil War horses and cavalry soldiers. These demonstrations provide a vivid and engaging portrayal of the era's daily routines, training, and combat techniques, bringing history to life for visitors. Participants can witness cavalry drills, observe the care and maintenance of the horses, and learn about the essential roles these animals played in the success of military operations.

These programs benefit school groups and provide an opportunity to engage law enforcement in an approachable and educational experience.

Competitions and Display: The Park competes annually in the North American Police Equestrian Competition, consistently performing exceptionally well and winning numerous prizes over the years. This competition, organized by the North American Police Equestrian Council (NAPEC), showcases the skills of mounted law enforcement units through various events, including equitation, uniform class, and obstacle course challenges​ These achievements highlight the skill and dedication of both the horses and their handlers. Visitors can view the Park’s awards and learn more about the horses' accomplishments at the park's visitor center, where they are on temporary display.