A behind-the-scenes look at the Greater Manchester Police Mounted Unit is due to be aired on television this month.
The seven-week series will be screened on Animal Planet (Sky channel 525) starting next Tuesday (10 June).
During filming the mounted unit was followed for about 18 months. And the series will shows all aspects of the mounted unit’s work — from their daily routine to the high-tension events such as the policing of a Manchester United match against Roma and demonstrations.
Chief Inspector Lynn Roby, head of the Mounted Unit, said: “We made the series on the basis that the crew just followed us — and that it would not detract from general operation policy.
“We wanted to give people a chance to see something only a select few ever see — behind the scenes at the stables.
“The programme allows people to be alongside the officers and staff as they see us choosing and training horses, keeping the horses fit and on patrol making arrests.
“I am delighted that we were given the opportunity to take part and am sure people will find the series entertaining, particularly with some of the equine characters we have.”
Inspector Roby, who has been in the Greater Manchester Police Mounted Unit on and off for 12 years told H&H that an ideal police horse is an Irish Draught type, 16.1-17hh and about six years old, so that they have seen a bit of life. They must also be laid back, good in traffic and have strong legs and feet.
She added: “Horses are an important part of community policing, they really help to break down barriers between the police and the public. They are great ambassadors for us.”
“To actually work with not just the people but to have these fantastic, amazing animals, I really do feel very fortunate to have a job like this.”
The first two episodes will be shown back-to-back from 8pm on Tuesday 10 June and show the team responding to reports of a disturbance, horses moving into temporary accommodation and PC Keith Edisbury on police horse Saxby arresting a wanted man.
