Chief constable refuses to provide reassurance on future of police horses

At a recent budget meeting, the unit faced being scrapped in its entirety by 2019. It was spared – but a review of its long-term future continues.

And sponsorship is among the possible solutions being looked at. 

According to Mr Habgood, it was Thames Valley police commissioner Anthony Stansfeld’s newly awarded powers to raise the police portion of council tax that helped save the horses – at least for now.

The chief constable, who previously said the section would not be removed before Ascot 2019, met with the mounted section last week but, despite commending their passion and the value they add to policing, has made no promises on its long-term future.

He said: "I met members of the mounted section last week… I was really impressed with their passion and the work they had done to present a case to me.

“We agreed that over the next few months they will collate additional data around their deployments, the income they generate from other forces and their costs.

“They will also explore opportunities for using special constables within the team and further funding streams, for example through sponsorship. We agreed that we would meet again in October.”

Mr Habgood noted the support the section has garnered on social media. There was outcry when it was revealed the unit may be cut – and a petition urging the force to retain its horses has picked up more than 1,200 signatures.

The chief constable continued: "I know that the Mounted Section has a wide following, both on social media and when the officers and horses are out and about. I know that they are grateful for that support, as am I.

"I have made no promises about the Mounted Section in the future as with the uncertainty about future budgets that would be reckless, but I can assure everybody that I am working with the team to ensure that any decision is made using the best evidence around their contribution to policing in Thames Valley."