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Support Manassas Battlefield’s Equestrian Program
Preserving History, Supporting Our Horses
Support Manassas
National Battlefield Park’s
Equestrian Program
Welcome to the Manassas National Battlefield Park’s Equestrian Program Campaign, hosted by the Manassas Battlefield Trust. We are excited for you to join us in recognizing the sacrifices made on this hallowed ground and enhancing the visitor experience at our historic battlefields. Your support ensures the continued success of the Park’s law enforcement equestrian program and contributes to the well-being of our horses, who play a crucial role in the Park's operations and educational efforts.
How Can You Help?
The Park’s Equestrian Program is integral to interpreting these battles, particularly the role of horse cavalry units. The horses not only serve in law enforcement and patrol duties but also bring history to life through living history demonstrations and visitor interactions. To maintain this unique and vital program, we need your support
Misty and Paddy visit the White House, NAPEC 2024
Learn About the Program
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.
Misty enjoying a good scratch
Misty and Paddy at NAPEC 2024, Washington, DC
Donor and Sponsorship Opportunities
Classy gets a pedicure
Your contributions help preserve the historical significance of Manassas National Battlefield Park and ensure the continued well-being of the Park’s law enforcement horses. We offer various opportunities to support our mission and recognize our generous donors.
All contributions support the care, maintenance, and general costs associated with this program and operations.
Regular Donations
Your regular donations are the backbone of our horse care. They help us maintain high standards of care, ensuring they live in excellent conditions. We are pleased to offer award ribbons for our generous contributors.
Sponsor One of Our Horses
We are seeking dedicated sponsors to support each of our rescue horses. A $7,500 donation sponsors one horse of your choice and directly contributes to its care and upkeep. Sponsorship recognition includes award ribbons and temporary plaques at the Brownsville Picnic Area.
Program Sponsorship
The Mounted Living History Program can be sponsored for $6,500. This supports the maintenance of tack, sourcing historically accurate feed and forage, and providing educational materials for programs. Sponsorship recognition includes award ribbons and temporary plaques at the Brownsville Picnic Area.
Contact Reid Clark at rclark@manassasbattlefield.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Special recognition opportunities are possible.
A Mounted Living History Program at the Henry Hill Visitor Center
2024 Award Ribbons, Front; NAPEC Awards, Behind. On temporary display at the Henry Hill Visitor Center.
Sponsor Recognition
Sponsors are recognized through our donor recognition program, which includes:
2024 Award Ribbons: Blue (Sponsors), Red ($2,500+), and Yellow ($1,000+) ribbons will be awarded to the top contributors. Supplies are limited, so act fast!
Recognition Plaques: Sponsors receive a one-year recognition plaque at the Brownsville picnic area, a central spot for trailers to access the Park's 20+ miles of equestrian trails.
Your support maintains and enhances the Manassas National Battlefield Park Equestrian Program. Thank you for supporting our mission and making a lasting impact on our Park!
Contact Reid Clark at rclark@manassasbattlefield.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Special recognition opportunities are possible.
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The Manassas Battlefield Trust is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations to the Manassas Battlefield Trust are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.