A Dallas police officer was bucked from his horse at the State Fair of Texas on Tuesday afternoon, injuring one patron in the process.
About 3 p.m., an officer with the mounted unit was patrolling in Big Tex Circle when his horse was startled, Dallas police said. A fairgoer was injured as the officer tried to regain control of his horse, and the officer was ultimately bucked from the horse.
The fair patron, who was not identified, was transported to a hospital and treated for injuries, according to police. The police officer was also being assessed for injuries and the horse was returned to the barn. No other injuries were reported.
The mounted unit of the Dallas Police Department, was established in 1982, according to the department’s website, and is based at Fair Park. It is staffed year-round.
The unit works to control crowds and patrol high-crime areas, among other responsibilities. According to the police department’s website, the height of the horse affords better visibility for the officers and magnifies the impact of police presence.