Mission
The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Posse is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to public service, mounted search and rescue support, and the preservation of horsemanship and equine heritage in New Mexico. Through training, community involvement, and emergency response, the Posse works to serve and support the people and equine community of Santa Fe County.
History
The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Posse was incorporated as a New Mexico nonprofit organization in 1941, making it one of the oldest continually operating equine organizations in the United States.Since its founding, the Posse has remained an all-volunteer organization dedicated to community service and the advancement of horsemanship and equine stewardship.
Search + Rescue
The Posse is a designated Search and Rescue (SAR) team operating under the New Mexico Search and Rescue Act and Plan of 1978 and under the authority of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, administered by the New Mexico State Police Search and Rescue Office.Members respond to mounted search and rescue missions when requested by the NM State Police SAR Officer. While the Posse is primarily equine-based, the bylaws were amended in 2007 to include four-wheel-drive participation in order to expand the team's effectiveness in SAR operations.Members provide their own horses, tack, four-wheel-drive vehicles, clothing, and most equipment necessary for SAR missions. Uniforms, SAR radios, and certain team equipment are funded entirely through volunteers and donations.Without this support, the Posse would be unable to perform this vital community service.
Emergency Equine Evacuation
Due to frequent seasonal range, forest, and brush fires in New Mexico, equine evacuation has become a critical area of service.The Posse has taken a leading role in working with state and local agencies to develop procedures and protocols for equine evacuation during emergencies. Members also collaborate with other equine organizations to help provide guidelines and preparedness information for horse owners.
Community Service
In addition to emergency response, the Posse participates in community and cultural activities that celebrate and promote New Mexico’s equestrian heritage.Examples include:ParadesRodeo grand entriesParking assistance at eventsFiesta and cultural celebrationsMuseum and educational eventsThese activities help strengthen the connection between the Posse, the community, and the region’s historic equestrian traditions.
Training
The Posse conducts regular training to maintain and improve the skills required for search and rescue and mounted operations.Members must meet established horsemanship standards in order to advance through levels of certification and participate in certain activities.Training includes:Mounted SAR exercisesHorsemanship skill evaluationsTraining rides for horse exposure and conditioningEducational programs led by subject-matter expertsMembers are strongly encouraged to complete New Mexico State Search and Rescue training and obtain PACE Search and Rescue Certification.
Membership
All members of the Posse are volunteers who live and work within the community.Prospective members complete a probationary period followed by a membership vote. Acceptance is based on:Demonstrated horsemanship skillsCommitment to participationAttitude and dedication consistent with the Posse’s missionAll officers are elected annually from the membership and serve on a volunteer basis.Membership is open to individuals regardless of gender, race, or creed. The Posse’s membership reflects the diverse community it serves.
Organizational Status
The Posse maintains a long historical relationship with the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office. Posse uniforms retain a traditional "deputy sheriff" appearance in recognition of that history.However, since the implementation of the New Mexico Search and Rescue Act of 1978, the Posse does not operate as a law enforcement agency and has no law enforcement authority.