Since 1992 we have been stabled at Ring Farm in Barnsley with eight acres of land for the 15 horses to graze on. The section is made up of two sergeants, 14 constables and six support staff.

SYP’s Mounted Section provides support to numerous departments throughout the force. Our mounted officers no longer only work at football matches, which enables the department to be much more effective and accountable. However, public order patrols at football stadiums and in city and town centres on match days are still a primary role of the department.

As our Mounted Section is staffed by experienced police officers from a variety of policing backgrounds, each officer undertakes an intensive 16-week course prior to carrying out mounted patrols.

Within their daily patrols, officers in the Mounted Section have duties that include dealing with nuisance youths, off road motorcycles, alcohol exclusion zones and enforcing dispersal orders. The horses make it easier for officers to conduct searches in areas of open land. These searches may be for vulnerable missing persons, discarded or concealed evidence and fleeing offenders or suspects. Other duties can involve attending ceremonies including the Mayor’s parade and the Master Cutler’s Ceremony.

From an elevated vantage point, officers are able to identify and prevent potential issues before they develop. The sizes of the horses mean that officers can combat serious issues effectively without the need for large numbers of staff. Crowds can be effectively contained, controlled, manoeuvred and dispersed appropriately.

Out of the forty-four police forces in England and Wales, only sixteen have a mounted section. When required, the department can provide un-planned and pre-planned ‘mutual aid’ to other police forces.

The most suitable breeds to become a police horse are Irish Draught, Thoroughbred and Hunter Type horses. The main colours being bay, chestnut and greys. The horses must be over 16 hands in height and are chosen according to their nature.

Our horses are purchased from the public and established horse dealers. Generally horses are purchased at the age of four and must undergo a series of tests over a four-week period. These tests are to assess the horses' character, fitness and ability to perform operational tasks. Training, for both the horse and the rider, is ongoing throughout their time in the department.