What makes a police horse? You can find out in our regular catch up with Jingle the latest recruit to the GMP mounted unit.
His trainer Paul Hodgkinson gives us an update.
“Recently Jingle, who was the star of the Crimewatch Roadshow on 10 June, met two real stars. He was given his first taste of a crowd situation at the X Factor auditions at Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Jingle loved all the attention and he even got to meet Simon Cowell and Mel B.
“There were large X Factor flags blowing around and a lot of people wanted to come over to see Jingle and his accompanying experienced police horse Maxwell. It was not bad at all for his first outing. He behaved exceptionally well and was happy to stand next to the crowd without any concerns. After that we headed off to Manchester United’s ground for a walk around and get him used to the surroundings there.
“Jingle had has first school visit on Tuesday 1 July when he went to St Peter’s Catholic Primary School, in Wythenshawe. He met lots of children from nursery age up to about six years old.
“He thoroughly enjoyed all the attention he got from the children who came over to stroke him, not to mention the attention from the teachers. He coped very well with the large numbers of people coming out into the playground. They were making lots of noise which was great experience for him and it showed he is growing in confidence all the time.”
Keep checking for further updates on Jingle’s progress as he continues on his journey to earn his stripes as a fully-fledged police horse.
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Greater Manchester Police.
Greater Manchester Police are looking for the latest four-legged crime fighting recruits to help patrol the region’s streets.
The Mounted Unit is on the hunt for trusted steeds to become a regular sight across Greater Manchester.
The right recruit will have a ‘laidback and sensible temperament and approach to life’ according to GMP Equine Manager Mima Manning.
“The horses are an important part of policing and are seen on patrol around the county as well as at high profile events and football matches, “she added. “We have some specific requirements of the new recruits and they will receive five star care and attention as well as specialist training and development for the role.”
Horses need to be between 16.2hh and 17.2hh, aged six to 13 years and be of substantial build. They should currently be in work, fit and sound, be able to hack on the roads alone and in company, and jump a small course of fences. They must also be good to shoe and load, and enjoy plenty of attention.
If you have a horse that meets the criteria and you may be able to loan or consider selling to GMP contact the GMP Mounted Unit atGMP.MountedUnit@gmp.police.uk .
Please provide your contact details and information about your horse including some photographs. Horses will be required to come to the unit for a four to six week trial period before they would be accepted to be part of the GMP team.
