POLICE horses will be patrolling the streets of the Forest for the first time in many years from next week.

The two horses, Boris and General, will be based at Highnam Court and will come to the Forest for the time next Wednesday (April 6).

The two horses have come from the Metropolitan Police in London as part of a 12-month trial.

Chief Superintendent Gary Thompson, who has been leading the project, says the horses will become part of the day-to-day policing of the county.

He said: “As a policing tool, horses are invaluable in terms of crowd control and being able to cover larger and more inaccessible areas of the county on patrol. 

“However, they are so much more than that. 

“We want Boris and General to become part of the policing family in Gloucestershire and for the public to enjoy meeting them, and their

riders, as part of day-to-day life.”

The trial has been backed by the Police and Crime Commission Martin Surl who says the horses will be an asset to the force.

Mr Surl said: “The research shows that people love to meet the horses and that means our officers are making more contact with the public on a daily basis.   

“The trial is a cost-effective way to see how well this works and ultimately best serve the people of Gloucestershire.”

If the trial is a success the force will look

to have a permanent mounted section in the county.

Boris is a 22-year-old grey measuring 16.1 hands while General is an 18-year-old bay measuring 17 hands.

The horses’ welfare will be looked after by professional staff at Highnam Court Equine.

They will work an average four shifts a week, earlies, lates and even­ings and will take rest periods in between just like humans. They will also take a block of two to four weeks holiday a year.

General and Boris are scheduled to be in the Forest this month and will work from 10am each morning.

They will be based around Pedalabikeaway at Cannop on Wednesday, April 6, Lydney area parking at GoApe on Thursday, April 7, Cinderford town centre on Wednesday, April 13, Lydney town centre on Thursday, April 14, Sedbury on Monday, April 18, Newent on Wednesday, April 20, Coleford town centre on Tuesday, April 21 and Beachley and Bream on Wednesday, April 27.