Does your horse have what it takes to join Northumbria Police?

The search is on for new horses to join officers in Northumbria Police’s Mounted Section.

Founded in 1857, The Force’s Mounted Section was started with just one horse, a gift to the then Chief Constable.Fast forward to the present day and the team now has a team of eight.

Sergeant Stu Coates heads the unit, which includes six fully-trained police constables and four grooms.

What's required?

Police are looking to recruit horses between 16.2hh and 17.3hh of a draught type, that could be a Clydesdale, Shire, Irish Draught or a cross.

Both mares and geldings between the ages of five and 12-years-old will be considered.

There is no requirement to be well schooled but the ability to walk, trot and canter is preferred. It is also desirable for them to be good with farrier, to clip, load and in traffic.

Anyone who believes their horse would be well suited to a life in the Force, should contact the Mounted Team who, after initial discussions, will arrange a visit.

If the equine looks promising, next they will be invited to take part in a four week trial and if they pass their trial, then they will undergo an intensive training course.

On completion of the course, the four-legged team member would receive a special Police Horse name, beginning with P, in line with the rest of their horsey colleagues - Peroni, Perth, Pluto, Percy, Penelope, Patronus, Potter and Parker.