Cops are looking to hire some new recruits…horses.
Police chiefs have asked locals if they have an equine that might fit the bill.
The successful, four-legged applicants’ roles will include guarding King Charles and the Royal family at Windsor Castle.
But they will need to fit strict criteria including being very tall and young.
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The horses will be vetted and also need to have “no vices”, well behaved, and easily trained.
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Thames Valley Police’s Mounted Section has put out the job advert. Other jobs for them to do will be patrolling at Reading Festival and Royal Ascot.
A force spokesperson said: “Our Mounted Section needs your help.
“Do you have a brave horse suitable for a career in the police?
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“We are looking to recruit a new police horse to our team.
“In this exciting role, your horse will join an integral part of our police force.
“The Mounted Section assists in a range of ways across the Thames Valley and Hampshire, including high visibility patrols at demonstrations.
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“And in the night-time economy, assistance in searches and patrols for missing people, as well as support to other forces with their operations and patrols.
“Our mounted officers and police horses have extensive experience from scanning and managing large football crowds.
“To protecting the Royal Family and have supported local officers in arrests for a wide range of offences during their daily patrols.”
The horses must be between 16.3 and 18 hands high – the average is 16.
Applicants also need to be aged between four and 11 years old – with horses usually living until they are 30.
The job advert continues the list of requirements and reads: “Quiet, level-headed horses which are good to shoe, clip and travel in a lorry.
“Trainable with good temperament and no vices or behavioural traits.
“No medical issues, ability to walk, trot, and canter and ideally be able to jump a small course of fences.
“Good in traffic, safe in open spaces.”
The Thames Valley Police spokesperson added: “All horses chosen will be required to undergo a six-week trial where we assess their suitability to the role and vetting.
“Owners can be reassured that their horse will be with us until retirement.
“Our horses receive the best care including regular physio and chiropractor visits, regular turnout, and are engaged with a variety of work including hacking and schooling.
“Owners can also have the knowledge that their horse will be serving the community, and they can watch their horse on deployments, such as escorting the King up the racecourse at Royal Ascot.”
Equine manager, Laura Haughey, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for a new horse to join our Mounted Section.
“We have recently moved to our brand new stables in Milton Keynes, which feature state-of-the-art facilities and top-of-the-line equipment.
“The whole yard is a new facility that has been built to include ten acres of grazing, bigger stables for the horses, a larger arena for training, and a horse walker.
“The horses are out daily and reassure the public, making sure people are safe when they’re attending football matches, festivals, demonstrations, and when they’re out and about at night.
“If you have a brave horse that’s looking for a fulfilling role within a dedicated team, we’d love to hear from you.”
Local Christina Relf said: “Hope you find the new horse you need.”
Dorinda Reece added: “Absolutely love this.”
