Most of the research I did on English police departments and their equestrian partners seemed to focus on the size of the horses. I gathered this is a big (no pun intended) sense of pride in the United Kingdom.
The ideal candidate for the police departments across the pond is heavy and high (between 16 and 18 hands). Horses from the following breeds are typically recruited:
Clydesdale
Percheron
Irish Draught (or Irish Draft)
Belgian Draught (or Belgian Draft)
Thoroughbred
Dutch Warmblood
Quarter Horse (or American Quarter Horse)
London police officers claim the added height and visibility that the horses give their riders allows officers to observe a wider area to observe and allows people in a wider area to see the officers. Their main goal is to deter crime and help people find police when they need them.
In the South of Wales, policing follows the same principle of big is better. In addition, they like their horse recruits to be strong, capable and patient (there’s plenty of standing around at outdoor events).
A new horse on the force receives excellent training in Wales. The training facilities typically have mattresses, flags waving, drums beating, weird noises from speakers, flashing lights and umbrellas (lots of rain in the U.K.).
The majestic horses have a commanding presence at community events. Most people like horses, and endless passers-by want to stop and pat them on the nose. This is very much allowed. Police encourage interaction as it helps breaks down barriers.
Comments