Mounted Police Train for Mobile Mardi Gras

Agencies prepare equestrian units for crowds and chaos of annual celebration

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Law enforcement agencies from across the region gathered at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama for three days of intensive training to prepare their mounted police units for the sensory overload of the city's upcoming Mardi Gras festivities.

Why it matters

Mardi Gras in Mobile is one of the largest and most raucous celebrations in the country, drawing massive crowds that can overwhelm even the most seasoned law enforcement. Proper training for the mounted police units is crucial to maintaining public safety and order during the event.

The details

The training exercises involved exposing the horses and officers to a variety of stimuli designed to simulate the sights, sounds, and chaos of Mardi Gras, including helicopters, street sweepers, and other loud machinery. The goal was to ensure the mounted units remain calm and in control even in the most stressful situations.

  • The training took place over three days, from February 11-13, 2026.
  • Mobile's Mardi Gras celebration is scheduled for February 25, 2026.

The players

Mobile Police Department

The primary law enforcement agency responsible for securing Mobile's Mardi Gras festivities.

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What they’re saying

“These horses and riders have to be prepared for anything during Mardi Gras. The training helps ensure they can maintain control and keep the public safe, even in the most chaotic situations.”

— Chief Lawrence Battiste, Mobile Police Department (fox10tv.com)

What’s next

The mounted police units will continue to train and refine their skills in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, with a final dress rehearsal scheduled for February 22nd.

The takeaway

Effective crowd control and public safety during large-scale events like Mardi Gras requires specialized training and preparation, especially for the mounted police units tasked with maintaining order in the midst of the chaos.