WA Police command tries to match up the mounted police with their charges. Equines Bluey and Lieutenant Dan, who are working in Midland, are renowned for their laid-back natures.
‘We need them to be calm in case of a riot scenario, or if crowds are throwing bottles or bricks,’ Sergeant Zoe Harmer said.
‘We can canter at 30 kilometres per hour if we need to, so it makes for a quick crowd partner if we have to go into a bad situation.’
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READ NOWSgt Harmer said police horses often have some Clydesdale in their bloodlines and a working horse pedigree was preferable.
Mounted police Senior Constable Regan Simpson said the French Percheron, best known for its intelligence and willingness to work, was a popular breed for a police horse.
Police often use the mounted force to assist in patrolling crime hotspots, such as Northbridge, Armadale, Lockridge and Midland.
Each posting usually lasts for about four weeks.
Sgt Harmer has worked with horses all her life while Snr Con. Simpson only learnt to ride after joining the force. ‘The horses have a good life and they love working,’ Sgt Harmer said.
‘We have to train them with plastic shields for battle but it’s not that often that we are faced with that sort of work,’ Sgt Simpson said.