Is it time to stop using Police Horses?

[Widgeon]

He said he was amazed at just how much lameness there was in these horses who rarely go above a walk on routine patrols.

They are all big horses aren't they - I bet that has something to do with it.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Re the welfare side, while they get very well looked after a now retired equine vet that I used to use was vet to one of the local big police horse centres. He said he was amazed at just how much lameness there was in these horses who rarely go above a walk on routine patrols.

A friend at the yard had a mare from the Household Cavalry, big mare. She was already a decent age when he got her and her knees were very misshapen. She was quite lively, did a pirouette when I shouted at her owner to call an ambo when I’d just had the accident. God knows how her knees were so screwed.

I’m torn re using animals in the police, my Oh tells me having a police horse or two for crowd control is invaluable. By his calculations, one horse is equivalent to eight officers.

There have been some sad incidents of the dogs being harmed recently near here, dogs stabbed etc. I don’t agree with horses being used for ceremonial purposes, it’s so outdated/pointless.

 

[Cortez]

Oh I love the horses in ceremonies, that's a whole different ball game, as long as they are well trained for the job, crowds, etc. Really adds to the pomp and circumstance, and seeing the astoundingly beautiful carriages and harness being used is a rare privilege.

 

[MagicMelon]

I think yes. I think putting horses into such a dangerous and highly stressful situation isn't fair on them (no matter how much training they have). Also with horses used in coronations etc. I find bizarre and extremely outdated. I imagine only when one of the military horses dumps its rider and jumps into the crowd hurting people will that change. Surely only a matter of time. Really, I dont think horses should be kept in cities. Away from their jobs, I feel horses 100% should all have access to a grass field every single day (if not 24/7) unless for vet short term reasons. I know household cavalry horses do get "holidays" every few months but to me thats not enough at all.

But absolutely its just the tip of the iceberg with regards horse welfare, I think a lot of recreational horses are kept and treated horribly as well.

 

[Cortez]

I think yes. I think putting horses into such a dangerous and highly stressful situation isn't fair on them (no matter how much training they have). Also with horses used in coronations etc. I find bizarre and extremely outdated. I imagine only when one of the military horses dumps its rider and jumps into the crowd hurting people will that change. Surely only a matter of time. Really, I dont think horses should be kept in cities. Away from their jobs, I feel horses 100% should all have access to a grass field every single day (if not 24/7) unless for vet short term reasons. I know household cavalry horses do get "holidays" every few months but to me thats not enough at all.

But absolutely its just the tip of the iceberg with regards horse welfare, I think a lot of recreational horses are kept and treated horribly as well.

Coronations by and of themselves are "extremely outdated", it's part of history. All that ceremonial and marching up and down is one of the few things that britain does well, I think it's great.

 

[ester]

Pretty sure the injuring people in crowd situ has already happened?

The guards situ some definitely seem to find it easier than others and I don’t know why they use horses that are clearly uncomfortable in that situation (and actively biting people)

 

[SantaVera]

Keep police horses but ban horse racing.