What horses are used in the mounted police force?

Question

Im after any info on the type of horse used in the mouted police force, i think its a cross between a draft & thoroughbred. I also want to know about the training regime and how we have changed their natural behaviour to benefit us. Thanks

Answer 1

Usually they use quarter horses.

They are trained from birth. Most of the training is in the area of maintaining composure in chaos. They are taught to disregard loud noises, accept crowds as a norm and various gaits such as walking, trotting and cantering.

Not all horses qualify, and the herd is usually culled down to about 20% being suitable for police work. Temperment is the main determining factor.

Draught (draft) horses are just too big for the task
Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses are too high strung and usually mentally deficient due to interbreding.
Hunters and Jumpers could be used but the cost of the animal is prohibitive in relation to the Quarter horse.

I have never seen a cross between a Draught and a Thoroughbread. It might be difficult for breeders to come up with that combination especially if the mare is the thoroughbread.

Answer 2

In the UK they are often a type called 'middleweight hunter' which is usually produced by crossing a Thoroughbred (which is a recognised breed) with a heavier horse.
They may have some draft horse back in their ancestry, or a breed called Cleveland Bay.
Theres some info on this site;
http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/faq/default.asp?Action=Cat&ID=22

Police horses go through normal breaking and training, then 'bombproof' training which makes them steady.
Some forces now also use behavioural training methods, also called 'starting' and developed by an American trainer called Monty Roberts; theres loads of info on the web about it.
'Bombproof' training is also used by other people to make steady, reliable, safe horses. There used to be a competition called 'handy pony' for teenagers to compete in. (the modern handy pony competition is a bit different).
Riding For The Disabled also use these methods to make the horses safe for diabled people to ride.

Answer 3

Dont think of there is any specific breed even however possibly a minimum top of sixteen arms or so. The link under has some extra information. you may desire to attempt writing or emailling a police rigidity that makes use of horses for further info.

Answer 4

I used to lease a horse for lessons [he got his workouts and I taught him some dressage plus I got saddle time so it was win-win] who had previously been an active police horse. His owner was a policeman and they worked together, so when the guy retired Buck went to the stables and I got to work with him. As far as I knew he wasn't any particular type [just a smallish, kind of stubby buckskin gelding], which makes me suspect there aren't any requirements as long as the horse is cooperative, steady, and well-trained. However, they might have different rules in different places [I'm in the California Bay Area].

Answer 5

any horse can be used 17hh preferred no horse is bomb Proof there will always something that will spook one especially when you don't expect it they go through weeks on training of all different aspects that they will encounter i don't think we have changed there natural behaviour as such i think its more of they come to except what we want them to do let them in a field and you'll see there natural behaviour come flooding back

Answer 6

The ones that can stand to have badges pinned on them

Answer 7

sarah c is right