For the first time in over a quarter of a century, mounted police are back on the streets of the West Midlands. Chief Constable Craig Guildford ordered the return, bringing horses back to boost policing across the region.
New Mounted Unit Hits the Streets
After months of planning and trial runs at local football matches, five majestic horses — Belgravia, Bruce, Yonkers, Yve, and Yvonne — have arrived and started their official duties. The team began work from their stables at Tally Ho! in Edgbaston, Birmingham, patrolling all boroughs of the West Midlands.
Sgt Hadley and officers PCs Dixey, Masterson, Preece, Pritchard, and Smith will be riding this new squad, ready to assist not just locally but even other forces if needed.
Meet the Mounted Police Stars
- Belgravia: 8-year-old bay Clydesdale, standing 17 hands high (1.73m).
- Bruce: 8-year-old grey Irish Draught, 16.2 hands (1.65m).
- Yonkers: 9-year-old grey Irish Draught, 16.2 hands (1.65m).
- Yve: 9-year-old chestnut Irish Draught, 16.3 hands (1.66m).
- Yvonne: 13-year-old grey Irish Draught, 16.2 hands (1.65m).
All horses enjoy specialist vets, proper grazing, and top care to keep them fit and happy for their street duties.
History of Hoofbeats in West Midlands Policing
Police horses have been part of West Midlands law enforcement since 1840. The first female mounted officer, Kay Weale, joined in 1985. However, the mounted unit was disbanded in 1999 amid views that horses were outdated and costly in a modern police force.
Now, with fresh strategy and commitment, the West Midlands are bringing back the powerful presence of mounted police — and they’re here to stay.
