The West Midlands Police mounted section has officially moved its horses from the historic Tally Ho site in Birmingham to a new £3.2 million American-style stable complex in Edgbaston. The facility, located near the existing police base, is designed to be a centre of excellence for the mounted unit, which plays a key role in public events, football matches, and crowd control across the region.
New Stables Feature Modern Amenities
The state-of-the-art stables include 24 horse stalls, wash bays, a solarium for animal recovery, a mechanical horse walker, and a 100-metre by 60-metre outdoor arena for training. The facility is tailored to enhance the welfare of the horses while providing officers with advanced training capabilities. A dedicated training area has also been incorporated, allowing horses to acclimate to various scenarios they may encounter during operations.
Chief Inspector Nick Hill, who leads the mounted section, stated: “The new stables are not only a vast improvement for the horses but also allow us to operate more efficiently. They are less carbon intensive and set a new standard for police horse accommodation in the UK.” The move comes as part of a broader plan to consolidate police resources and modernise infrastructure.
End of an Era at Tally Ho
The Tally Ho site in Birmingham has served as the home of the mounted unit for many years, but the premises have been redeveloped for housing. The relocation marks the end of an era, with the Tally Ho name now only surviving in local history. The new location in the Edgbaston constituency ensures the unit remains central to the West Midlands while freeing up valuable land for residential development.
The mounted unit has been a staple of Birmingham’s policing for decades, with horses often seen at major events such as Aston Villa and Birmingham City football matches, as well as during protests and community engagement activities. The horses are also used for high-visibility patrols in parks and city centres, providing a unique deterrent effect that officers on foot cannot replicate.
Investment in Animal Welfare and Efficiency
The £3.2 million investment underscores the West Midlands Police’s commitment to animal welfare and operational effectiveness. The solarium, for instance, uses infrared light to help horses recover from muscle fatigue and injuries, reducing recovery times. The horse walker allows for controlled exercise even when time or space is limited, ensuring the animals remain fit and healthy.
According to police officials, the new facility will also improve training outcomes. The outdoor arena is large enough to simulate various terrains and crowd scenarios, better preparing the horses for real-world conditions. The stables are designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient features that align with the force’s environmental goals.
Community and Operational Impact
The mounted section plays a vital role in community relations. Chief Inspector Hill noted that the horses often act as an ice-breaker between police and the public, making officers more approachable. The move to Edgbaston should not affect the unit’s ability to respond to incidents across the region, as they remain mobile via horseboxes and support vehicles.
In summary, the relocation of the Tally Ho police horses to the new Edgbaston stables represents a significant upgrade in facilities, animal care, and environmental sustainability. The unit continues to serve the West Midlands with the same dedication, now from a modern, purpose-built home.
