Bethlehem's mounted patrol will be among those who are on the clock for crowd control when Musikfest gets under way next week.

But getting the horses used to large crowds requires quite a bit of "hooves-on" training.

When a horse sees something strange, its natural instinct is to run for safety or kick.

George, Pharaoh, and Raven make up Bethlehem Police Department's mounted patrol unit.

They're constantly learning to trust their partners and getting used to the sights and sounds they'll encounter on patrol.

Even something as simple as an officer putting on a raincoat while on horseback must be taught before the horses head out for patrol.

It takes a lot of time for a horse to get to the point that it's not intimidated by every day objects like a baby stroller or the sound of someone throwing a soda can in the dumpsters.

But the mounted patrol said so far, George, Pharaoh, and Raven are doing well.

After we complete a sensory obstacle and they do really good at it, we like to give then praise, said Ofc.Michael Leaser. We like to congratulate them, rub them down.

Training like this goes on all year long.

The next big test is going to be at Musikfest, when the horses interact with the crowds.