MOUNTED OFFICERS ‘WE JUST MAKE DO’
Mounted officer equipment not designed for dangers associated with horse riding
Mounted police officers have expressed the need for the risks of policing on horseback to be factored into future equipment, especially when it comes to increased protection from falls. Researchers from the University of Huddersfield spoke to 20 mounted officers from three forces to delve into the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in this unique role, assessing comfort and functionality. They provided insights and experiences of their protective equipment, revealing much of the protective equipment worn on patrol is standard issue for police and not designed specifically for the risks associated with riding a horse. Officers expressed concerns about the
limited protection offered by their police issue body armour, particularly in riding- specific incidents such as falls from the
26 | POLICE | APRIL | 2025
horse, as it was not designed for horse- related activities. Many suggested incorporating elements of protection from falls into their body armour, similar to commercially available equestrian body protectors.
“We put ourselves at risk and they could at least give us the best kit and equipment available.”
They felt more protected from falls during training than on patrol. Some officers proposed developing hybrid body armour that offers protection from both falls and knife attacks. Ideas included integrating air vests that inflate upon impact to cushion the back, head,
and neck. PPE was also described as restrictive, making mounting and dismounting the horse challenging. Officers also highlighted difficulty in mounting the horse from the ground, especially in winter when wearing more layers. Height was a common issue, too, with shorter officers struggling to mount larger horses. Most participants reported discomfort from wearing their PPE, including rubbing, restrictive movement, and the weight of the equipment. This discomfort
was accentuated when worn for long durations.
The weight of the PPE, particularly the body armour, caused back, neck, and shoulder discomfort. Weather conditions also contributed to increased heaviness and restricted movement due to
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