The US Park Police Stables and Education Center on the National Mall, a state-of-the-art horse breeding facility housing Sibel and Magic, recently opened to the public. Visitors can tour the educational center and learn about the beloved horses.
“This is a great way to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public,” said HMP Commander Lt. Anna Rose. “Building trust — I think a facility like this speaks for itself.”
Next to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Education Center displays information about the history of the country’s first cavalry unit. According to Julie Moore, public relations director for the National Mall Trust, the themes of the exhibit include park police horse requirements and the bond between horse and jockey. An officer’s uniform and tactile saddle are on display, and you can watch a video of his day in the life of a mounted officer. (The stables are open Thursday through Sunday, and weary tourists can rest on the benches and use the restrooms and nursing rooms.)
The most exciting thing for horse lovers is the chance to see the animals themselves. Large windows overlook the horse grooming stalls from the education center, and you can watch the police mane and groom the horses. The horses are sent out to a viewing paddock enclosed by a double fence on the outside, which can be viewed from both the inside and the mall. Rose says visitors are not allowed to pet the animals, “because it’s break time.” As usual, however, the police officers on duty who stop to allow horses to interact with people may allow some affection.
Of course, horses are no stranger to Moll. HMP was officially established in his 1934, the former stables were designed as temporary buildings and built in time for the 1976 bicentenary of his birth, but required many repairs. Moore said the new building is part of efforts to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, and its construction was funded by Trust for the National Mall, a nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. . Designed by architect Thassos Kokolis, the barn is bright, well-ventilated and sustainably built, with officers’ quarters and 14 spacious staterooms. The paddock is lined with advanced materials “like kinetic sand” that are gentle on the hard-working horse’s joints, Rose said.
The new structure addresses key needs, Rhodes added. Caring for a horse is very important and so is the connection between people and his HMP. “Now that we have this beautiful facility, we are able to connect with the community in ways we have never been able to before,” she says.
The Education Center at US Park Police Stables is open Thursday through Sunday from 9am to 3pm. Located near the intersection with Independent Avenue SW, West Basin Drive. Nationalmall.org/content/horse-stables.
