Mounted Volunteer Patrol (MVP)
The Oceano Dunes/Pismo State Beach Mounted Volunteer Program has been operating since the late 1970's by providing assistance to park visitors and law enforcement officers. Mounted Volunteer Patrol (MVP) positions are public relations ambassadors, especially with visitors on the beach and on trails. Being a part of MVP is a volunteer experience that combines the unique skillset of horse riding and a passion for the outdoors in State Parks.
Mission: The mission of Mounted Volunteer Patrol is to compliment and expand visitor services and resource protection by providing extended volunteer patrol coverage for Pismo State Beach and Oceano Dunes SVRA and the trail systems therein.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Patrol the park on horseback with an on-duty MVP partner.
- Provide information and public assistance to park visitors, resource protection, interpretation of natural and cultural resources, and interpretation of park regulations and rules.
- Keep Park staff informed of emergencies, serious violations, and hazards.
- MVP members will represent California State Parks in a positive manner at all times.
Requirements/Skills Required:
- Attend all required meetings or trainings.
- Must be 18 years of age to be a MVP member
- Supply the horse, saddle, tack, etc. and demonstrate the ability to control and ride safely in all park conditions.
- Candidates and their mounts must pass a qualification session before acceptance into the MVP. Members and mounts must perform to the satisfaction of the program leader or designee.
- The qualification session is a series of practical tests set up to demonstrate horse and rider capability to work safely on trails alongside a variety of park users.
- Positive attitude and willingness to work as a team member with Park staff and visitors.
- The ability to effectively communicate to members of the public and Park staff professionally.
What's better than riding your horse on the beach! 
