West Midlands Police’s mounted unit has officially moved into its new permanent home at Tally Ho! in Edgbaston, with officers and horses now based at the force’s training centre in the heart of Birmingham.
The relocation sees the unit leave its temporary stabling in Solihull for purpose-built facilities designed specifically for the force’s operational needs. The new location will make it easier for mounted officers to respond to communities across the West Midlands.
Inspector Nick Burton, who leads the mounted unit, said: “We are delighted to be transitioning into our permanent home here at Tally Ho!
“The move brings the mounted unit out of our temporary stabling solution in Solihull to purpose-built stables at the centre of the force area, making it easier to deploy to the communities we serve across the West Midlands.
“Tally Ho! is a hive of activity, and our horses, mounted officers and equine grooms will benefit from being amongst other policing training functions at the site.”
The development was delivered by Arcus FM, with bespoke American-style barns supplied and installed by Hancox Equestrian. The stables include talk grills to encourage social interaction between the horses, alongside turnout areas for exercise and welfare.
Karl Lavery, Managing Director of Projects at Arcus FM, said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the horses settled into their new home and this important project brought to life.
“As a long-standing partner of West Midlands Police, we are proud to work alongside the force to deliver facilities that support its operational needs, and the new mounted unit stables are a fantastic example of that collaboration in action.
“The return of mounted policing to the West Midlands after more than 50 years is a significant milestone, and we’re delighted to have played a part in creating a facility that will support policing operations and community engagement for years to come.
“I would like to thank everyone involved from West Midlands Police, Arcus and our supply chain partners for their commitment, professionalism, and teamwork throughout the project. The end result is something all those involved should be genuinely proud of.”
The secure site includes a large yard capable of accommodating two horse boxes, a manège for training and exercising the horses, stable blocks, storage for equipment and office space for briefings and training. Additional security measures include fencing, guards and controlled card access.
Sergeant Alex Hadley, who supervises the mounted unit, said: “All of our horses have settled in so well to their new home and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of the whole process, developing these new facilities to meet the needs of our unit.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their hard work during this move. We have accomplished a lot in our first six months as a mounted unit, and I am very proud of how far we have come.
“As we are currently going through the onboarding and training process for more mounted police officers, I am looking forward to having a full team and showcasing the amazing facilities in an official opening event this summer, with Chief Constable Scott Green and PCC Simon Foster.”
West Midlands Police said horse welfare had been a priority throughout the development of the facilities. All of the horses were moved together before being given time to settle into their new surroundings ahead of returning to operational duties.
The horses will also have regular access to off-site grazing land, allowing them to graze naturally and spend their rest days in open fields to support their health and wellbeing.
The force has worked closely with the charity World Horse Welfare throughout the project.
Roly Owers, CEO of World Horse Welfare, said: “We welcomed the opportunity to advise West Midlands Police as they developed their plans to re-establish their mounted unit.
“Throughout the process, their focus has consistently been on putting horse welfare at the centre of their approach, to good effect. Police horses are one of many examples of the horse-human relationship in action, and their mental and physical wellbeing should always be a top priority.
“We look forward to continuing our engagement with West Midlands Police as the unit develops, helping to ensure their horses thrive both on and off duty.””
The stable facilities are not open to the public. However, residents may see the mounted unit on patrol across the West Midlands or at community events. The team can also be followed on Instagram at @animalswmp.