In the context 

of law enforcement 

in the United States, 

it's more common 

to see mounted patrols 

utilizing full-sized horses 

rather than ponies. 

 

Horses are chosen 

for mounted units 

due to their larger size, 

strength and suitability 

for larger 

law enforcement 

officers, 

and crowd control, 

which

will not be done 

using smaller

riders or ponies,

anymore than

SFPD and SFSD

mounted police

and deputies 

do currently,

either.

 

Full-sized horses 

offer some

greater 

advantages

in terms 

of visibility, 

carrying 

capabilities,

while ponies are 

equally effective 

for their speed 

and maneuverability, 

yet they eat

two and a half times

less than

their larger cousins, 

horses;

eating like a horse 

is more than 

just a saying, 

when it comes to 

hay, oats, alfalfa 

or other feed. 

 

Their size

and presence 

can be effective 

for maintaining order 

by engaging with people 

at eye level.​

​

In districts with a deputized 

self-funded constabulary, 

a blend of residential 

and  business areas 

may benefit 

from improved public safety .