Off the Clock: Pam Promisel, Mounted Patrol volunteer with the National Park Service

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Life is much more than time spent on the clock. In this series, we highlight the unique hobbies and volunteer activities of Mason's talented faculty and staff.


Pam Promisel works in the University Business Consulting office at George Mason University. Outside of work, she views the world from a different vantage point: horseback. As a Mounted Patrol volunteer with the National Park Service, Promisel serves in a unique role at Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Promisel started riding horses when she was eight years old, and she continued riding as an adult with additional lessons and training. One of her fellow riders told her about the small and exclusive group of National Park Service Mounted Patrol volunteers at Manassas National Battlefield Park. Promisel has been honored to serve with this group since 2010.

Pam Promisel on horseback on top of a white horse on a green, grassy field. There is a bright blue sky in the background, along with a farmhouse.
Pam Promisel atop Ginny at Manassas National Battlefield Park. Photo courtesy of National Park Service

What are your responsibilities as a Mounted Patrol volunteer?

We patrol over 40 miles of trails at the park, engaging with visitors and enforcing park rules. The mounted patrols and horses are ambassadors for the park. People love to interact with the horses. We’ve been told many times that we made someone’s day.

We also train, exercise, and care for the horses. The Mounted Patrol program is part of the park’s law enforcement unit. Horses are flight animals and tend to flee when they see or hear something new. Police horses need to be trained to trust their rider in these situations.

What was the selection process to serve as Mounted Patrol volunteer?

Mounted Patrol volunteers must be proficient in riding a variety of horses and riding on trails in varied conditions. Potential volunteers are evaluated in a riding test and through initial trail rides. The program typically has more interested participants than available spots.

How do you help care for the horses at the park?

The National Park Service rangers typically do the daily feeding, but we also feed the horses, and clean the water troughs and fields, clean the equipment after every ride, and sometimes help during visits from the vet or farrier (horseshoer).

Pam Promisel stands with a brown horse in a fenced enclosure. The horse is trying to get a treat from her hand.
Pam Promisel with Bogey, a horse who has since retired from the program. Photo provided

How often do you serve on patrol?

One day a week—typically Saturday, but sometimes Sunday. We ride year-round in all types of weather. I actually love riding in the snow. If I can get there, I’ll ride!

What have been your most memorable experiences in this volunteer role? 

A real bucket list memory has been riding in the Mounted Police Week ride through Washington, D.C. It is amazing to ride one of dozens of horses parading down the streets of our nation’s capital. We go by the monuments and the White House; I have pictures of myself on horseback with these icons in the background.

Participating in the North American Police Equestrian Council training and competition in Ohio this September was also an amazing experience. The horse I rode, Mississippi Mist (Misty), had never traveled to an event like that before, and she was incredible, bringing home lots of ribbons and trophies. I will always remember that experience.