Northland police saddle up

Clattering horses' hooves will join feet pounding the police beat at Northland's major events.

Whangarei police are trying out a mounted police brigade for a year.

Community safety officer Constable Bridget Rickard and Constable Sarah Hewitt decided to try the idea as a public relations exercise this summer.

The horses would be at Christmas parades, A and P shows, and the Waipu Highland Games. The mounties would also patrol beaches and ride through town.

"They're good ambassadors for the police," Mrs Rickard said. "People are really happy to see the horses and everyone gravitates towards them."

The project has secured sponsorship of a horse float, vet and farrier services.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)