I was up before the lark this morning (in fact the owls were still about) and off to Brockenhurst station to catch the early train to Oxford. I had been invited to attend the Mounted Police Symposium on behalf of Kelly and Intelligent Horsemanship. The audience of academics and police officers of all ranks and from across the world had assembled to hear the results of a research project assessing the value of mounted officers in the UK. It was fascinating. I shall be writing it up for the Intelligent Horsemanship magazine but to give you the most delightful quote from the day...
"...observations show that horses generate substantially more engagement with citizens than do neighbourhood foot patrols, and this difference is attributable in large part to the horse itself." Making and Breaking Barriers
If any proof of this were needed two police horses from Thames Valley turned up at dusk en route to a football match. They were inundated within minutes. I had to go and say hello. This is Thor and Luna.
To read the BBC report:
BBC News
