Mounted unit help push horse safety message

It’s been a busy first two months for our new police horses.  

Since their return to the West Midlands at the start of December, the animals and their riders have been working hard to keep people safe.  

Assignments include searching for missing children in Walsall, carrying out anti-drug dealing patrols in Sandwell, targeting illegal e-bike riders in Birmingham, patrolling Wolverhampton city centre during the busy weekend nights, protecting football fans in Coventry and more. 

Their work has also seen the unit support local crime reduction initiatives and other police forces for operations in their area, generating income to help us fund the reintroduction of police horses in the West Midlands.  

“People’s response to us has been phenomenal,” said Sergeant Alex Hadley, from the mounted unit.  

“They’ve been so happy to see the horses and to speak to our officers who’ve been explaining the ways in which we’ll be using the horses in their area. 

“We’ve also been using this time to remind hundreds of motorists about what they need to do when they see us on the road. 

“This includes sharing safety advice with the region’s bus companies along with council gritters and bin lorry drivers.”  

When you see horses on the road, drivers must: 

• When approaching or overtaking horses, you must slow down to 10mph and be ready to stop immediately    

• You must leave a minimum gap of two metres when passing or overtaking horses. If there is no room, you must wait and stay well back   

• Lower the volume, if playing loud music  

• Always follow the instructions of our police officer riders - you may be committing a criminal offence if you do not   

Drivers may be breaking the law if they do not follow these steps which are designed to keep all road users - including pedestrians - and animals safe.  

British Horse Society (BHS) has produced a series of short films to help drivers understand these rules, along with tips for all road users. This includes specific advice for bus drivers.    

Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety at BHS, added: “While we appreciate those who follow the guidance set out in the Highway Code, there is still significant work to be done to ensure the safety of all road users.   

“Alongside working with key stakeholders such as the new West Midlands Mounted Unit, which is playing a very positive role in improving safety and understanding around horses on the road, we also encourage anyone involved in or witnessing an incident to record it via the Horse i app. This helps us to build a clear picture to drive positive change.   

“Additionally, we work proactively with equestrians to offer guidance when riding out on the roads.  Offering clear advice to all is crucial so that the UK’s roads can be collaborative and safe for everyone involved.”  

Sgt Hadley continued: “From speaking to hundreds of drivers, it’s clear that many motorists have never seen horses on the road, so are unsure how to respond correctly.  

“Our aim is to engage and educate drivers first, but we will always enforce the law when safety is compromised. That can be public safety or the safety of our horses and riders. 

“We’re thankful to those who are following the rules and doing everything they can to prevent injuries. This includes bus drivers and council staff.” 

Mounted unit officers have the same powers and equipment as officers on foot or who drive police cars. This includes personal protective equipment, incapacitant spray, bodyworn video for recording evidence and radios for tracking their location and co-ordinating their response to an incident.  

For more information about our horses, visit https://www.westmidlands.police.uk/police-forces/west-midlands-police/areas/about-us/about-us/police-horses/