How many horses does the Mounted Section have? 

Presently we have 20 horses. This includes some leased horses and horses being trialled. We no longer breed our own horses.

Which breeds of horses does the Mounted Section use?

In recent years, we have begun using Clydesdale, Clydesdale crosses, Warmblood crosses, Friesians, Percheron crosses, Walers, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, Andalusian crosses and Standard Bred crosses. However, due to the scarcity of suitable animals we give due consideration to any breed. 

How does the Mounted Section get its horses? 

Many of our horses have been donated to the section or purchased from local breeders. Our training staff are always on the lookout for suitable mounts to become operational police horses. They need to be bold but placid and have good confirmation. The bigger the better.

Where are police horses kept? 

WA Police horses are stabled at the Maylands Police Complex at Swanbank Road. When they need to go out for a spell, they are agisted at our 40-acre farm in Herne Hill. 

What does a horse need to become a police horse?

Police horses need to have a tolerant and courageous nature, with the ability to work with large noisy crowds, deal with traffic on the road and work for long hours. We like them to be of a large imposing type, the majority being over 16.2 hands high. 

What training do police horses undergo? 

Police horses and riders are trained to cope with all aspects of police work including patrolling, riots and crowd control situations, missing person searches and ceremonial duties such as the Anzac Day Parade. This is accomplished by flat work, cross country, nuisance and civil disorder training. Different equipment is used to acquaint the horses with loud noises, large crowds, smoke and obstacles that they may experience on the road.

How do I become a Mounted Patrol Officer? 

All police officers who have completed their two-year probation period are eligible to apply, however officers with plenty of frontline policing experience and a good level of physical fitness and coordination are the most competitive. Riding experience is desirable but not essential. Our annual week-long selection course covers all aspects of Mounted Police duties and riding. Officers who successfully complete the course go into a selection pool and fill subsequent vacancies.

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