When Orlando’s hooves resound, confinement is done at the trot. In Pont-l’Evêque, a small town in Noyonnais, it is this 17-year-old Spanish horse who has been watching over the last two weeks every afternoon to ensure that the measures entered into force on March 17 are respected.
Above, there is Natacha Dubœuf, a young woman in training at the school of sworn equestrian guards of Buire (Aisne). A training still unknown, like the profession for which it is intended: private equestrian guard. An agent in charge of certain judicial police missions, directly attached to the public prosecutor, whose functions are at the borders between the rural guard, the ASVP or the municipal police officer… on horseback.
“Mediation and prevention”
“It is a kind of community police, a liaison between elected officials, the gendarmerie and the inhabitants,” sums up Natacha Dubœuf. First of all, it’s a lot of mediation and prevention. “
If his theoretical training continues, this is no longer the case in practice because of the health crisis. But no question for the young woman to stand idly by. In March, she approached the mayor (SE) of Pont-l’Évêque, Olivier Ghiri, who quickly validated this unique device in the Oise.
An agreement is signed immediately between the municipality and the school. “An obvious collaboration,” says the city councilor, also a municipal police officer. This made it possible to set up a great citizen action. “
“General surveillance of the municipality”
In the streets of the small boat town of 600 inhabitants, there is no question for the equestrian guard to be content to ensure only compliance with confinement. “It is a general surveillance, supports the rider. We keep an eye on the businesses, on the houses left by the owners and we send the information back. “
We must also stay in contact with the most vulnerable people, thanks to a list drawn up by the municipality. “I even deliver the medicines to a single lady who is afraid to leave her home,” says Natacha Dubœuf.
Its daily volunteer round has barely started, the first inhabitants are already showing up at the windows. “We quickly create a link with them,” assures the professional. The reactions are positive, people are reassured by this presence. Some are even waiting for this meeting. “
“A plus for everyone”
Like that old lady who is already waiting on her doorstep, a carrot in hand for Orlando. “I’m glad to see you,” she breathes. “It makes a link on a daily basis, it reassures, appreciates another neighbor. And then for the little ones, it is not common to see this horse every day. Elia, 4 years old, even wanted to draw this Orlando whose name she has a hard time pronouncing. “This presence is a plus for everyone,” smiles his dad.
