Police horses back on beat as Hyde Park stables re-open

Police horses are to be based in Hyde Park for the first time in six years after a new stable block was officially unveiled today.

The stables located in the heart of the park will be home to at least five police horses whose riders will use the base for patrols in central London.

The centre has been disused for six years but has been refurbished to be as ecologically sound as possible. Solar panels in the roof provide hot water for the stables.

The day-to-day work of the horses will include routine patrols of the capital's three main parks, attending ceremonial events and offering operational support during public order events such as football matches.

The horses who will live at the centre include 16-year-old Alamein who is regarded as one of the most experienced of the Met's mounted branch.

A veteran of public order events he was injured during disorder at a Millwall against Birmingham City game in 2002 when he needed surgery to his knee.

Another veteran is Cambridge, aged 16, part of the Royal Grey Escort who regularly attends ministerial and royal events such as state visits by foreign leaders and the opening of Parliament.

Chiswick, 15, will also live at the stables.
His "steady and controlled" nature is favoured as a ride by senior officers who are required to attend events such as Trooping the Colour.

The stables were being opened today by the Duke of Kent and Met Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson.