This week, we’re spotlighting the work of APD’s Mounted Patrol and the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office — two teams who have been quietly training together for months to make sure Atlanta is ready to host the world in 2026.
Although preparations began earlier this year, the teams recently took an important step: a full joint training ride through downtown Atlanta. APD’s Lt. Greg Lyon led the session, guiding Cobb County’s mounted officers through the kind of dense, high-energy environment they’ll encounter during next year’s FIFA World Cup. For riders and horses accustomed to operating in more suburban settings, the city’s traffic, noise, and crowds offer a whole new set of conditions to master.
Lt. Lyon said the goal is to steadily build familiarity as the tournament approaches, increasing exposure to real-world urban scenarios so both teams are fully prepared when millions of visitors arrive. The departments have already completed several joint exercises at the barn; now, they’re bringing that teamwork onto the streets.
For the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, deputies Beth Dunton and Deputy Smith brought their horses — Gucci and Missy — into the city for this milestone ride. Both horses handled the environment with ease, even when a driverless vehicle rolled by.
“We’re very thankful for APD letting us train with them and be part of the World Cup operations,” Dunton said. “Gucci and Missy handled everything like champs. The driverless car kind of creeped me out, but the horses were unfazed. This was fantastic training for all of us.”
As Atlanta prepares for the biggest sporting event on the planet, collaborations like this ensure every layer of public safety is ready — from mounted patrols to traffic management to crowd operations. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes work that helps create a safe, seamless experience for both residents and the global fans coming to our city.
