Police horses return to the West Midlands after nearly three decades
Several new horses began official policing duties yesterday
Last updated 2nd Dec 2025
For the first time in 26 years, police horses are back in the West Midlands, after an operational decision by Chief Constable Craig Guildford.
After months of careful planning, trials and specialist advice, several new horses began official policing duties yesterday.
The new Mounted Unit, based at Tally Ho! in Edgbaston, Birmingham, will patrol the region’s streets and support neighbourhood policing, public engagement, and crowd management.
Horses arrive in the region
Five horses – Belgravia, Bruce, Yonkers, Yve, and Yvonne – arrived in the West Midlands on Monday, 24th November, and have spent the past week settling into their new stables. From today, they will begin duties alongside their riders, including Sgt Hadley and PCs Dixey, Masterson, Preece, Pritchard, and Smith.
Nine additional horses are undergoing health checks before joining the force, which worked collaboratively with other police forces to secure animals with the ideal temperament and training for their role.
Boost for community policing
Assistant Chief Constable Mike O’Hara is leading the project to bring Mounted Units back to the West Midlands Police.
“This is a moment in history for West Midlands Police as we once again welcome horses back into force,” O’Hara said.
“We are confident that our Mounted Unit will generate income from loaning the horses to other forces. 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 expressed his approval, stating: “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.”
About the horses
The newly arrived horses are:
Belgravia, 8-years-old, bay-coloured, Clydesdale, 17 hands (1.73m)
Bruce, 8-years-old, grey-coloured, Irish Draught, 16.2 hands (1.65m)
Yonkers, 9-years-old, grey-coloured, Irish Draught, 16.2 hands (1.65m)
Yve, 9-years-old, chestnut-coloured, Irish Draught, 16.3 hands (1.66m)
Yvonne, 13-years-old, grey-coloured, Irish Draught, 16.2 hands (1.65m)
All horses underwent extensive training before being selected, while officers completed a 16-week course in London.
Horse welfare and public safety
West Midlands Police prioritise animal welfare, rider safety, and public wellbeing when interacting with police horses.
The public is advised to follow six simple rules:
Always seek rider permission before approaching and follow their instructions.
Approach from the front or side, where the rider and horse can see you.
Move calmly and avoid tight spaces.
Stand to the side of the horse – not in front or behind.
Never feed or approach horses with food.
Touch the horse only with clean hands if invited by the rider, and wash hands immediately after.
The safety of children, dogs, and road users around horses must be prioritised:
Children must be supervised by adults.
Keep dogs on leads and away from horses.
Drivers should follow the Highway Code, drive slowly past horses, and avoid sounding horns or revving engines.
Drones must not be flown close to horses.
Further guidance is available on West Midlands Police’s website.