National Mounted Training hosted by TVP

Police officers and horses from across the UK came together in Oxfordshire for a major mounted training exercise, the first national event of its kind in more than a decade.

Hosted by Thames Valley Police on Wednesday 27 May, the event brought together eight police forces and 23 horses for a day of coordinated training. The exercise focused on building strong teamwork between forces and ensuring mounted units are ready to respond to both planned events and unexpected incidents.

Organised by Sergeant Heidi Cornick from TVP’s mounted section, the day highlighted how forces can work together to keep the public safe.

“This national mounted training day is designed to prepare police units across the UK to work together effectively during public order incidents. It brings together horses, riders and commanders from different forces to practise joint tactics, improve interoperability, and develop both experienced teams and newer ‘remount’ horses in a safe, controlled environment.

“This training is vital. Recent increases in public disorder and protest activity, alongside upcoming large-scale events, mean there is a growing need for strong national coordination and operational readiness. By standardising skills, strengthening collaboration and ensuring officers meet required training standards, Exercise Paro will help ensure mounted units can respond safely, confidently, and effectively to both planned and spontaneous incidents.”

Throughout the day, teams worked through a range of realistic scenarios designed to assess their coordination and communication. The training also supported the development of younger or less experienced police horses alongside established teams, helping to maintain consistent standards across all forces involved.

Chief Inspector Chris Young, from the Joint Operations Unit, said:

“Teams from across the country have come together to learn from one another, challenge approaches and develop shared practice. It marks a significant milestone in how different regions can work together as a policing family and prepare for future challenges. By bringing forces together to train, share learning and build relationships, we are strengthening our collective capability and setting a foundation for future, something that will be increasingly vital as we look ahead to major national events such as the Euros in 2028”.

The welfare of the horses was a key priority throughout. A vet, grooms and a farrier were all on hand to make sure each horse was cared for to the highest standard during the exercise.

The event marks a major step in building national collaboration between mounted units, with plans to make the training a regular event in the future.

Events like this also shine a light on the people behind specialist policing roles. Our mounted officers come from a mix of backgrounds, and not everyone arrives with riding experience. This is just one of the many diverse specialist paths you can take within a policing career at Thames Valley Police.

If you would like to explore career opportunities with Thames Valley Police, visit our careers website and learn more.