Piglet
Well-Known Member
Ok, fair comment, sorry!! 
Mounted and Riot police...
- Thread starter Cadfael&Coffee
- Start date
Celestica
Well-Known Member
I agree with the with the trained to rear and kick on demand (only to kick out but not at people) because if those actions fear riders who are used to it I'm pretty sure it'll scare off normal people
But it's sad to hear you say you've never seen a happy police horse. I live in Ireland and the mounted unit's stables are located in the city so they're always out on hacks and they always seem to be enjoying themselves with all the pats and rubs and if there are matches on people bring bags of carrots/treats specifically out for the horses
But for protection over here if there's a riot the guards put these clear plastic shields over the horses to protect their faces/eyes and always have a reflector sheet on!frozzy
Well-Known Member
As the mum of a serving munted officer I have seen round training stables and her current posting. Happy horses? Yes definately, but not all as some are more suited to the work than others. They are all cossetted and cared for in the best possible manner and yes they put other working horse environments to shame in some instances. Best practice most of the time but the problem comes when some officers joining from a non horse background do treat the horse as simply a piece of kit. There will be good yards and better yards the same as in life. The horses do get a break from active duty and get out in a field.
Pale Rider
Well-Known Member
I don't think you can compare match days with riot situations, the offender profiles are significantly different.
The level of violence escalates in riot situations, plus the use of fire by rioters. No amount of protection can save a horse from a petrol bomb, and a horse on fire and out of control would be dangerous to the Police more than rioters, never mind the state the poor horse would be in.
As I've said before, there are better alternatives to horses in riot situations which are less risk to the Police themselves and the horses obviously.
The level of violence escalates in riot situations, plus the use of fire by rioters. No amount of protection can save a horse from a petrol bomb, and a horse on fire and out of control would be dangerous to the Police more than rioters, never mind the state the poor horse would be in.
As I've said before, there are better alternatives to horses in riot situations which are less risk to the Police themselves and the horses obviously.
twiggly
Well-Known Member
I remember watching a programme where it was said that police horses are invaluable at football matches/large gigs/protests because they give thier police officer rider a clear and very mobile view of the crowd, something that can't be done from foot or a police van.
Ibblebibble
Well-Known Member
i agree, for crowd control horses are ideal as their size and weight give them a clear advantage,violence is usually between people rather than being aimed solely at the police unlike in a riot situation where the police, and therefore the horses, are the main target.
personally i think water cannons would be far more effective in those situations, especially with a bit of permanant dye added in to clearly mark the culprits for a few days