For the first time in over a quarter of a century, police horses are back on patrol in the West Midlands. The force has officially launched its new Mounted Unit, marking the return of equine officers to the region's streets for the first time since 1999.
A New Stable for the Region
The five horses, named Belgravia, Bruce, Yonkers, Yve, and Yvonne, arrived at their new home on Monday 24 November 2025. After a week to acclimatise, they have now begun official policing duties alongside their riders from West Midlands Police.
The unit will be based at the Tally Ho! site in Edgbaston, Birmingham, serving the entire West Midlands region. The facilities include grazing areas and access to specialised veterinary care. The horses are also available to support other police forces across the country when required.
Boosting Engagement and Creating Jobs
Assistant Chief Constable Mike O'Hara stated that the project, over a year in the planning, was carefully considered. He highlighted that the unit is expected to generate income by loaning horses to other forces and that sponsorship options are being explored to help cover ongoing costs like feed.
The initiative has also created new jobs, including roles for police officers and an apprentice groom. The force collaborated with the World Horse Welfare charity to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare from the outset.
ACC O'Hara emphasised the community benefits, saying the unit will provide a "massive boost for neighbourhood policing and public engagement."
Building Trust and Freeing Up Resources
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster welcomed the unit's return on a full-time basis. He directly linked the horses to his priorities of building community policing and public trust.
Commissioner Foster also pointed to operational advantages, noting that the horses' role in crowd management will allow highly-skilled officers to be reassigned to other duties.
This week, the horses and their riders are touring every borough in the West Midlands, reintroducing the iconic sight of the mounted police to communities across the region after a 26-year hiatus.
