Why a Mounted Unit?

TASKING
The main tasks of the Manchester Police Mounted Unit are:

• High visibility policing - crime prevention & detection
• Searches for missing persons, etc. over rough terrain.
• Community policing, breaking down barriers between the community & the police.
• Public relations, ceremonial duties, special events.
• Public Order, sports events, concerts, late night city center patrols, etc.

The high profile of an officer on horseback is ideal for high visibility crime prevention and detection. The fact that the Police Officer on horseback sits several feet above the height of a crowd is ideal for seeing and being seen. It is generally accepted that one mounted Police Officer is equivalent to five or six officers on the beat.

PERSONNEL
Officers assigned to the Manchester Police Mounted Unit are selected from volunteers within the Department. Applicants must be Police Officers with at least two years experience. Officer and horse teams complete extensive training, and must demonstrate proficiency prior to tactical deployment.

All of the unit's equipment and feed is purchased through donations received throughout the year. The horse trailer was purchased through local business sponsors. Their logos are displayed on the trailer. At the present time, we are stabled at the Youth Development Center in Manchester. The State of New Hampshire owns the facility and does not charge the unit any money to stable our horses.

HORSES
"They have the heart of a lion and the feet of a ballerina."
- Unknown

The selection of horses qualified for Mounted Unit duties is very difficult. The generally accepted criteria suggests a gelding Percheron or draft horse between 5-12 years old, sorrel or black in color, at least 16 hands high, that is well-mannered and physically sound. Because the primary factor is the horse's aptitude and disposition, exceptions are sometimes made in the breed, age and color of the horse. The evaluation process for horses includes a physical examination by a veterinarian, and a practical examination conducted by an expert in the field.

Police horses perform a unique role and are selected for their temperament and physical qualities. Of course the horse must be in excellent physical condition, but the most important characteristic in a police horse is a good temperament. Police horses must be able to work in a busy, noisy urban environment without difficulty. Horses should be brave and obedient and able to cope with confrontational situations without becoming agitated or upset.

Our horses must:
Stand at least 16 hands in height.
Be of one full colour, preferably dark grey or bay.
Pass a full veterinary examination.
Be free of any vices or bad habits.

Horses selected by the Mounted Unit for training must first undergo a three month trial period during which their temperament and suitability for police work is assessed. Horses that successfully complete this trial period then begin a training period of approximately six months.