HISTORIC kit belonging to the once disbanded West Midlands Police horse unit has been returned after the unit was reintroduced last year.
When the old mounted unit was disbanded in 1999, the horses and kit – including ceremonial breastplates – were transferred to other forces across the UK, including Thames Valley Police.
The silver-coloured metal plates were embossed with the royal cypher of Queen Elizabeth II and are fixed on leather straps. The function of the straps is to prevent the saddle slipping. They are worn across the chest of each horse.
After hearing that horses were returning to the West Midlands, Thames Vally Police officers have returned the last known original West Midlands Police breastplate.
PC Chris Harriett has been a Thames Valley Police officer for 17 years and has been part of their mounted unit for five years.
He said: “We rediscovered the breastplate during the move to our new base in Buckinghamshire.
“A colleague carefully restored it back to its former glory and it felt right that we handed it back it to mark the return of police horses to the West Midlands.
“After five years on the unit and offering mutual aid to West Midlands Police on many occasions, it is an honour to return the breastplate.
“When the West Midlands mounted unit disbanded, we got two of their horses, Irish Draughts called Fred and Oliver.
“As well as routine deployments, both horses were used for policing state visits at Windsor Castle, and to escort the royal family and their guests at Royal Ascot.”
Receiving the historic item on behalf of the force, Chief Superintendent Sarah Burton, head of the Operations department – which includes the mounted unit – said: “It was a pleasure to accept the breastplate from Thames Valley Police.
“The kit is in remarkable condition. That’s a combination of the quality local craftmanship and the item being so well cared for over the years.
“Our WMP museum already has a breastplate on display, so I look forward to placing this one in our new Edgbaston stables as a reminder of our history.”
The breastplate was handed over to West Midlands Police last year while officers and horses from Thames Valley Police supported Operation Fearless in Erdington.
PC Chris Harriett and PC Sophie Green attended on their police horses, Harper and Odin.
