Hadlow College equine students got a first-hand insight into one of the most long-standing branches of the Met Police recently.
The Lewisham Mounted Police, which is part of the Met’s Mounted Branch that dates back to 1750, visited the College to give students a riding demonstration and talk to them about ride and road safety.
They also gave students an overview of the work they do, which includes:
- High visibility patrols.
- Escorting the military and the Royal Household in central London, which is a key counter terrorism role.
- Specialising in crowd control at sporting events, demonstrations, public order events, and state ceremonial occasions such as Trooping the Colour
- Care and maintenance of the horses and tack
Steph Cooke, Head of Curriculum – Equine, at Hadlow College said: “Our Equine Department was lucky enough to be visited by the Metropolitan Police and their beautiful horses for a practical demonstration on the fantastic work the Lewisham Mounted Branch undertakes.
Our Further and Higher Education students learnt about the daily ins and outs of life as a Mounted Police Officer, caring for and exercising your horse to prepare them for their next football match or ceremonial event.”
“Our students discovered possible career options within the mounted branch, the training they would undertake and the transferable skills required for their role which they are developing within their current study programmes at Hadlow College. Thank you Lewisham Mounted Police for another great visit!”
Hadlow College offers a range of Equine Management courses, and provides extensive facilities including two indoor arenas, a large outdoor arena and stabling for 64 horses.
Students have the opportunity to gain hands on practical experience, ride and compete quality horses, gain knowledge and develop practical skills in horse husbandry, horse handling, grooming, application of tack and equipment, feeding and routine yard management and more.
If you are interested in studying Equine Management at Hadlow College, you can find out more on our Equine Management subject page.