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Police horses have returned to the West Midlands for the first time in more than a quarter of a century, marking a significant shift in the force’s operational approach. The decision, made by West Midlands Police (WMP) Chief Constable, Craig Guildford, reinstates a Mounted Unit that was disbanded in 1999.
Five horses — Belgravia, Bruce, Yonkers, Yve and Yvonne — arrived in the region on 24 November and, following a week of settling in, began their first official patrols this week. They are currently housed in temporary stables but will eventually move to a new purpose-built facility at Tally Ho! in Edgbaston, due to open in spring 2026. The unit will ultimately consist of 12 horses, supported by two sergeants, 12 PCs and a team of police staff grooms, including a newly created apprentice role.
WMP Assistant Chief Constable, Mike O’Hara, who is leading the project, said the return of mounted policing represents “a moment in history” for the force, adding that the unit has been developed with careful planning, specialist advice and lessons learned from other police forces. The decision is also underpinned by financial considerations, with the force expecting to generate income by loaning horses to other forces and exploring sponsorship to offset running costs.
Mounted officers have already proven effective during trials at regional football matches over the past two years. WMP says six horses can manage crowds that would typically require more than 20 officers from a public support unit, freeing skilled personnel for frontline duties such as crime prevention and victim support.
Beyond operational impact, the force emphasises the role of horses in community engagement. Their visibility, temperament and public appeal have been shown to increase trust and confidence, encourage conversation and support those who have experienced trauma. National inspectors also highlighted the value of mounted policing in restoring order during last year’s unrest in other parts of the country, calling on forces to be better prepared for future disorder — something WMP says it is now well positioned to achieve.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster welcomed the reintroduction of mounted policing, saying it aligns with his priorities to strengthen neighbourhood policing and public confidence. Recruitment and training are already underway, with six officers graduating from a rigorous 16-week mounted course in London, three more currently enrolled and two transferring from other forces.
Horses have played a role in West Midlands policing since 1840, and while the unit was previously disbanded due to cost and changing priorities, the force believes the modernised approach reflects contemporary policing needs. The new horses will be deployed across all boroughs, attending major events, patrolling town centres at weekends and supporting forces nationwide when required.
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