Pennsylvania State Police unveils a new horse stable at Hershey Training Academy as part of a major overhaul to modernize the facility and ensure troopers are well-trained to protect Pennsylvanians, in Hershey, PA on December 19, 2025.
HERSHEY, Pa. – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) officially unveiled its newly constructed, state-of-the-art horse stable on Friday at the PSP Academy in Hershey, marking the first completed structure in a comprehensive project to upgrade and modernize the Academy’s 65-year-old training facilities.
“The unveiling of our new stable marks an important milestone in updating the Academy’s facilities,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the PSP. “This investment not only enhances the care and safety of our horses, but also strengthens the training environment for our Mounted Unit and cadets. It reflects our commitment to preserving tradition while preparing for the future of law enforcement in Pennsylvania.”
The 21,000-square-foot stable accommodates up to 30 horses in a modern, well-designed environment. Each spacious stall offers ample room for horses to turn, lie down, and move comfortably, promoting their safety and well-being. The horses graze across more than 50 acres of newly developed pasture—much of it visible to travelers on East Hersheypark Drive—offering a scenic reminder of PSP’s proud equestrian tradition.
The horses of PSP’s Tactical Mounted Section serve an essential role in maintaining safety and order at major sporting events and large concerts. The elevated vantage point of mounted troopers enhances their ability to oversee and manage large crowds. In 2025, the section was requested 239 times, including for Penn State home football games and the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl victory celebration, and will have completed 159 details by January 1, 2026. Beyond operational duties, the horses are a cherished presence at the Pennsylvania Farm Show and at various community events, where they help foster positive relationships with the public.
Friday’s event celebrated significant progress in a $387.8 million construction project that began in December 2023. Other buildings are scheduled for completion in 2026, including the five‑story Marquee Building, which will house the Academy’s classrooms, cafeteria, administrative offices, and 300 individual cadet dormitories. PSP plans to move into the Marquee Building next fall…