Overland Park ? Seven riders and their horses are ready to help Kansas City-area law enforcement agencies during searches for missing people.

The Overland Park mounted posse held a training search Wednesday and members said they were prepared to help.

Its leader and trainer, Officer Eric Thompson, says the seven trained volunteers provide their own horses for searches in off-road areas. He says it will help in wide open areas where only foot traffic is possible because foot traffic is slow.

Thompson told The Kansas City Star that Overland Park will help with searches throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.