SANDBRIDGE — Horses and their riders from Virginia and North Carolina took to the beach in Sandbridge on Saturday, Nov. 5, for the annual Beach Ride in support of the Virginia Beach Police Mounted Patrol Unit.
The ride started at Little Island Park & Fishing Pier, and headed north before returning to the park. Dozens of riders attended, and members of the mounted patrol led. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Virginia Beach Mounted Police, a nonprofit organization that provides support to the patrol.
Master Police Officer Lora Kreitzman, a member of the patrol, said there was a great turnout for the ride, and the officers were glad that three new horses assigned to the unit were participating for the first time. Kreitzman rode Allie, one of the new horses.
Master Police Officer Ryan Ashby said it’s important to bring the horses into the unit to effectively do police work, which takes training for both the officers and the horses.
And, the officers added, events such as the ride are a chance for the public to interact with police and know the unit.
“I did it last year for the first time,” she said. “It’s fun, obviously, for me, but it’s great to expose the horses to this, too. I love the fact that it’s something that supports their program.”
Some horses had been on sandy beaches before, while others were trying the terrain – and nearby waves – for the first time. Samantha Gritz, attending from Northern Virginia, rode Francis near the surf.
“Give me like half an hour, and she’ll be perfect,” Gritz said. “She likes water. She’s never seen waves.”
Erin Seeley of Moyock, N.C., walked a horse named Curlin and a dog named Shelly near the pier. Curlin loved the sand, dropping down to roll in it, then popping back up again.
“Do you want to roll again?” Seeley asked.
They participated three years ago in the beach ride, when Seeley rode Curlin rather than walking the horse.
“We had the best gallop down the beach,” Seeley said.
This year?
“He had the best roll.”
Learn more about the friends organization on Facebook via @FriendsVBMP.
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