why do police use horses

Police use horses primarily for crowd control because horses provide a height advantage and can move easily through dense crowds, helping officers see more and disperse unruly gatherings effectively. Horses are intimidating due to their size, which encourages people to move away, and their ability to maneuver through tight spaces and terrain where vehicles cannot go adds to their utility. Mounted police also serve well in search and rescue and foster positive community relations since people are generally more approachable toward officers on horseback. Mounted units have a long history and continue to be valuable in modern policing for visibility, mobility, and their psychological impact on crowds and individuals.