The terrifying situations faced by Avon and Somerset Constabulary horses have been uncovered in a BBC programme about emergency responders across the country. Today's episode of Critical Incident, March 23, followed Avon and Somerset Mounted Unit police officer Rowan Webber and sergeant Hannah Clarke as they patrolled Bedminster on seasoned police horse Blaze and new recruit Max.
Whilst police horses play an "instrumental role" in promoting a positive image of the force and increasing community engagement, things aren't always easy. On the back of a police horse, officers are afforded a wide-scoping view during large-scale public order events, such as riots and protests, which makes it much easier to see fights and any illegal activity.
"You have to think about the safety of the horse, but also the safety of the public around you." PC Webber said. "The animals can move very quickly, but the most important thing is to encourage the horse to keep them calm and being aware of your surroundings and making sure that you're putting them in as safe a position as possible."
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Officers on horseback can often find themselves exposed to violent and unpredictable situations. Because of this, the horses need to be tacked up in public order kit - protective gear that ensures their safety.
As Sergeant Clarke held police horse Mendip steady, PC Webber tacked him up with the riot gear, which included a face and nose guard to protect the soft structures in his face, a shield to protect his eyes, and fleece lined boots with knee pads to protect his hooves. Explaining the reasoning behind Mendip's extensive protection gear, Sergeant Clarke said: "Sometimes, missiles can be thrown and that can vary from glass bottles, coins and flares.
"We have been targeted before with that and we're quite a big target because we're so high off the ground - it's actually quite easy to hit us if they wanted to. The horses are trained not to run away from that where possible, sometimes they'll still react but it's definitely a lesser degree."
While dealing with public order incidences themselves doesn't seem that daunting to the mounted force at first, Sergeant Clarke confessed that it is often after the event that officers realise the scale of the danger they were facing. After policing a volatile situation in Bristol, she and PC Webber were honoured with the first ever Police Horse and Officer Action of the Year Award in 2021.
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