The Horse Rangers of TN State Parks

 Since 1978, a group of rangers and their horses have responded to emergencies, patrolled remote areas of state parks and been friendly faces at park events. Today, there are six parks that are home to Mounted Patrol Rangers. 

Connecting with Visitors, One Horse at a Time

“If I’m walking through the park, a visitor might stop me to ask a question or talk for a minute, but when I’m on Deet, they definitely want to interact not only with him but also with me,” said Mark Matzkiw, Captain of the Mounted Patrol Rangers. 

Training Rangers and Their Horses

Matzkiw, a former rodeo cowboy, trains the horses that are selected to work in state parks. He also trains the rangers who will be adding a horse to their park unit. They train for one week and then spend 100 hours of riding time with Matzkiw at his park, Tims Ford. 

“The rangers learn as much from the horses as the horses do from them,” said Matzkiw.

A Well-Earned Retirement for Patrol Horses

The horses must be retired by the time they are 22 years old. They can either be purchased by their ranger. They also can spend retirement at either Henry Horton State Park or Tims Ford State Park. Both pastures are in central locations at the parks, so the horses still get to interact with the public. 

Meet the Horse Rangers of TN State Parks

If you are at any of the following parks, keep a look out for: Ranger Hannah Morgan & Buddy – Burgess Falls, Ranger Lauren Fagin & Ranger at Cummins Falls, Ranger Chelsae & Rowdy – David Crockett Birthplace, Ranger Samantha Davenport & Jackie at Henry Horton, Ranger Rebecca McDonald & Virgil at Long Hunter and Ranger Mark Matzkiw & Deets at Tim’s Ford.