The Metropolitan Mounted Police
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X3000300204 |
| Author | E. P. Burrell Baggallay |
| Date | 01 April 1930 |
| Published date | 01 April 1930 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
I
5
Grooms
The
Metropolitan Mounted Police1
By E. P. BURRELL BAGGALLAY
4I I
Section I
Stn,
ISergt. I
P.C.
in 5
P.C.'s
Sergt. Sergt,
Instructor
charge
in Rest
Equitation. Stables
1
Rewr1~
by kia:i permission of
the
Editor
of The Cavalry Journal.
185
186
THE
POLICE JOURNAL
At the training centre at Imber Court the staff consists of
one inspector, one station sergeant, one sergeant in charge of
equitation, six constables, and five civilian grooms.
This
is
the equivalent of a reserve squadron and is directly under the
command of the D.A.C.A.
The
staff is responsible for the
training of all remounts and the remaking of bad horses, and
also for the maintenance of a small hospital and convalescent
home.
Unijorm.-The
helmet is now only used for special
occasions; it has been replaced by a cap.
The
cloth cape and
waterproof apron have been replaced by a second horseman's
dark blue hunting waterproof with an apron attachment, which
is rolled on the front of the saddle.
The
old pattern greatcoat
has been replaced by a
blue'
British
warm'
pattern coat.
These changes in kit alone have been the means of saving the
ratepayer some pounds per man per year, and in addition to
this economy have given increased efficiency,while at the same
time ensuring additional comfort to the riders.
The
pattern
for pantaloons has also been changed and a more suitable cut
and material selected.
The
jackboots are now fitted, and one
set of trees is provided for every stable of six or less and two
sets for a stable of over six.
The
saddlery, which was of an antiquated description,
has been entirely overhauled and brought up-to-date with a
preference for utility rather than show.
A new wallet, with special interior attachment, has been
issued, and has proved satisfactory and of greater service than
the old issue.
The
short truncheon has been replaced by a
, single stick,' abetter weapon from the point of view of both
rider and horse.
The Supply
of
Horses.-For many years the horses were
obtained from private sources as opportunities occurred. As
might be expected, the price of horses varied with the supply,
the greatest shortage following the major wars such as the
Crimean, the Franco-Prussian, the Boer War and the Great
War.
The
horses are now bought by the D.A.C.A. in charge
of the Mounted Branch from all parts of the British Isles.
The
class of horse purchased is of higher quality than in the
past.
The
maximum price allowed is £60.
but
owing to
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