Horse care centre teaches police handling skills

Tuesday, 9 November 2010 15:45

A horse care centre has offered assistance to Thames Valley Police this month with a one-and-a-half hour training session at its sanctuary in Speen, Buckinghamshire.

The Horse Trust workshop saw four officers from Marlow station learn how to handle equines, with techniques for catching and approaching the beasts taught, as well as how to scan microchips and lead and tie up a creature.

Liane Crowther, welfare and education officer with the body, noted that it is important for officers to know how to manage their mounts properly as "there is a risk of injury to both the police officer and horse" if this is neglected.

One participant, Police Community Support Officer Emily Watkins, remarked: "This training has provided me with the confidence to be able to handle horses in emergency situations."

Meanwhile, decorated police ride Monty - a bay shire cross gelding - recently retired from the force, finding a new home at Bristol-based Horseworld, the BBC reported earlier this month.

Posted by Elaine