MILWAUKEE (SPECTRUM NEWS)— Milwaukee Urban Stables break ground on Milwaukee’s south side.
Ground broke Tuesday morning for a new horse stable in Milwaukee. However, this stable will house more than just horses; it will soon become a therapeutic home for the community.
The Milwaukee Urban Stables will soon be a collaboration of the Milwaukee Police Mounted Patrol Unit and horse therapy programs, making it the only one of its kind in the country.
The ground at the stables may be covered in mud now, but this piece of land will soon house around 24 horses in Milwaukee’s Urban Stables. The renderings of the final project show a white barn like structure with updated finishes. Organizers say it will be an open place where everyone is welcome.
"The police department themselves actually suggested that we build a site large enough for equine therapy horses as well," Milwaukee Urban Stable’s Board President, Kent Lovern said.
The Milwaukee Police Department along with horse therapy programs through Milwaukee Public Schools and the VA will house their horses in the stables.
"We think the uniqueness of this really is that police and community will be in this place many more times under welcoming conditions and conditions where they can build relationships,"Lovern said.
Therapy programs for students living with disabilities and for veterans dealing with PTSD will be more accessible in this location. It will also provide easier access for the Milwaukee Police Mounted Patrol Unit. This will be the first time the mounted patrol will have their own housing for their herd.
"The horses for several years were actually housed in Racine County and they were being trailer-ed up every time the Milwaukee police needed something here in town," Lovern said.
"It will be easier when we can just walk outside of the barn and go patrol besides having to trailer them. The horses will like it too it will be more exercise for them," Milwaukee Police Department Mounted Patrol Unit Sergeant, Logan Jeffery said.
Organizers say the project that is now five years in the making is expected to be open by January of 2020 for all to enjoy.