A police officer on a horse patrolling the streets of Avon and Somerset - always a reassuring sight to the public and an imposing and impressive presence.

The Mounted Section was formed over a century ago in 1899 as a response to civil disorder. It was quickly realised how effective and dynamic horses are to maintain public order, and from then on their use has increased.

The section today is based at Bower Ashton, Bristol and covers the whole of the force area. As Avon and Somerset are the only police in the West Country with a mounted section, our riders and horses are often called on to help neighbouring forces.

The Mounted Section is operational seven days a week, providing a highly-visible police resource in communities across the force area. The versatility of the horses makes them an ideal option for policing football matches, demonstrations, alcohol-related late night disorder, locating missing people in open country or wooded areas, and policing other large events such as the Glastonbury Festival and the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

Horses and riders are also a regular sight on ceremonial duties, providing mounted escorts on royal visits and for the Lord Mayor of Bristol for services such as Remembrance Day and Rush Sunday.

Mounted officers perform the same functions as any other police officer. The section today has an Inspector, a Sergeant and 10 mounted officers, supported by four grooms who are mainly responsible for the stable management.

There are currently 11 horses, most half to three-quarters bred bay geldings standing at least 16 hands high. The breeding combines the qualities of a thoroughbred with the strength and substance of a draught animal.

Police horses are purchased at around five years old. Their training develops through regular district patrols and the introduction to public order training. Within a year they will be capable of performing all the regular duties of an operational police horse.