Joint operation horse training first in a decade

A mounted training day has been held to prepare UK police to work together effectively during public order incidents.

Hosted by Thames Valley Police (TVP), 'Exercise Paro' is the first joint operation of its kind in 10 years and brought together 24 horses from six police forces to the former RAF Upper Heyford in Oxfordshire.

Mounted officers performed drills and trained alongside volunteers from within the force to role-play real-life scenarios.

Sergeant Heidi Cornick said: "This training is vital. Recent increases in public disorder and protest activity, alongside upcoming large-scale events, mean there is a growing need for strong national coordination and operational readiness."

TVP said mounted resources were in increasing demand, with the event providing a valuable opportunity to share best practice and strengthen national capability.

Cornick said, "It brings together horses, riders and commanders from different forces to practise joint tactics, improve interoperability, and develop both experienced teams and newer 'remount' horses in a safe, controlled environment."

Out in the field she said horses are a great way of calming situations down at events like high-risk football matches.

Cornick added that by "standardising skills, strengthening collaboration and ensuring officers meet required training standards, Exercise Paro will help ensure mounted units can respond safely, confidently and effectively to both planned and spontaneous incidents."