“This is a moment in history for West Midlands Police" - Horses return to the force for first time since 1999
For the first time in 26 years, police horses are back in the West Midlands, due to an operational decision made by Chief Constable Craig Guildford.
After months of planning, specialist advice and trials using other force horses at local football matches over the past two years, West Midlands Police's new horses have started patrolling the region’s streets.
Throughout this week, the first horses to join West Midlands Police's new Mounted Unit will be visiting every borough in the region.
Belgravia, Bruce, Yonkers, Yve, and Yvonne arrived in the West Midlands on Monday, November 24, and after a week of settling into their new home, they started their official policing duties with riders, Sgt Hadley and PCs Dixey, Masterson, Preece, Pritchard and Smith on Monday, December 1.
The horses will be stabled at the force's Tally Ho site in Edgbaston, Birmingham and serve the entire West Midlands - and even other police forces if needed. They will have access to grazing, specialist vets and everything else they need for a happy, healthy working life.
Assistant Chief Constable Mike O’Hara, from the Force’s executive team, is leading on the project to return horses to the force. He said: “This is a moment in history for West Midlands Police as we once again welcome horses back into force.
“We have been working on this project for over a year and the plans have been carefully considered. We are confident that our Mounted Unit will generate income from loaning the horses to other forces and in support of this work, we’re also exploring sponsorship options that could help cover food and other expenses.
“New jobs for both police officers and police staff have been created as part of the plans – including an apprentice groom.
“We are really grateful for the help and advice from the World Horse Welfare charity, which has helped us to ensure that our working animals will be well cared for, right from the start.
“The return of horses is great news for the communities we serve as the Mounted Unit will be a massive boost for neighbourhood policing and public engagement.”
Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said: “I am delighted to welcome back West Midlands Police’s dedicated Mounted Unit as horses return to the region on a full-time basis for the first time since 1999.
“The horses will contribute to my priorities of building community policing and trust and confidence. Not only will new jobs be created, but the support of police horses in relation to crowd management, will ensure highly-skilled officers can be assigned to other roles.
“I echo ACC O’Hara’s comments that this is a moment in history for West Midlands Police and I am looking forward to welcoming the new horses.”
We have worked with other police forces who also have Mounted Units to secure five healthy horses that have the right training and temperament for policing in the busy West Midlands. Nine other horses have been identified and are currently undergoing extensive health checks before moving to the West Midlands.
Six officers have already graduated from an intensive 16-week course in London. Three others are currently undertaking the course, and two others are transferring from other police forces, with further roles advertised in the new year.
