*PLEASE NOTE: Historical images of the Mounted Police Unit are available at https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/DhIXRfD7eP/dHVsbDFhc2hAcG9saWNlLm5zdy5nb3YuYXU=
The NSW Mounted Police Unit will today (12 September 2025) celebrate 200 years of dedicated service, making it the oldest continuous mounted police unit in the world.
The significant milestone will be marked with a public street parade along Macquarie Street to the Sydney Opera House.
The parade will include serving officers and troop horses, a contingent of retired officers, VIP cyclists, and a band and banner party.
Members of the community are invited to attend the parade which will begin from 11am at Hyde Park Barracks and conclude at 11:30am at the Sydney Opera House. People will get the chance to interact with the troop horses after formalities are finished.
The event will pay homage to the officers and troop horses who have served diligently and bravely for two centuries, thanking past and present members for their service and dedication.
The NSW Mounted Police Unit pre-dates the London Metropolitan Mounted Police (1828) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (1863).
Formed in September 1825, by Governor Sir Thomas Brisbane, the Mounted Police was established in the colony of NSW to address rising crime trends. The unit initially consisted of two officers, two sergeants, and 20 privates.
At the time the Mounted Police played a crucial role in reducing crime, apprehending runaway convicts, and overcoming difficult terrain to combat bushrangers.
The Unit reached its peak strength in the early 1900s with more than 800 officers and 900 horses and relocated in 1907 to its permanent base in Bourke Street, Redfern where it remains today.
Technological advancements and the introduction of motor vehicles led to a reduction in the need for Mounted Police resources, but the unit adapted to continue serving NSW communities.
Today, the Mounted Unit plays an important role within the NSW Police Force. The officers and horses support and assist Police Area Commands and Police Districts in crime prevention through high visibility patrols.
Officers have a high level of training which makes them invaluable in public order and protest events. The Unit also assists with crowd management, traffic coordination and search and rescue operations.
The officers and horses are always a favourite with the public at community events and visit palliative care and children's hospitals.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said for 200 years, Mounted Police officers and their troop horses have stood side by side, upholding a proud tradition of service and discipline.
"From bushranger patrols in the 1800s, to crowd management and search operations today, this bond has helped keep the people of NSW safe for two centuries," Minister Catley said.
"I want to acknowledge all former and current serving Mounted Police Unit officers, and their loyal Troop Horses, who have played an integral role in this state's proud policing history."
NSW Police Acting Commissioner Peter Thurtell reflected on the legacy of the Mounted Police Unit, praising the commitment of its officers—past and present—and the troop horses who have served with honour and distinction.
"There is a lot to admire about the Mounted Police Unit, but the most unique aspect is the demonstrated bond between the officer and the troop horse —a partnership built on trust, discipline, and mutual respect," Acting Commissioner Thurtell said.
"The Mounted Police Unit's reputation has earned international recognition, and its contributions have shaped the very fabric of law enforcement in this country.
"Today, we celebrate a legacy of horsemanship and service to the community – a combination that has served our state for 200 years, which is an outstanding achievement."
The NSW Mounted Police Unit has a proud history of providing support to the Royal Family during visits to NSW, including Royal Escorts by her late majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and late Duke of Edinburgh, and more recently his majesty King Charles III and her majesty Queen Camilla in 2024.
One of the units' highlights was in 2012 when the Mounted Police Unit was invited to perform in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant at Windsor Castle, England, and the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
The Mounted Police Unit officers have also performed the Musical Ride at the Royal Easter Show for more than a century. The performance involves a series of manoeuvres and horse movements which replicate the operational environment troop horses and officers are required to work in.
Today, the Mounted Police Unit has 35 officers and 31 troop horses, as well as 10 full-time grooms who help with the daily running and maintenance of the Redfern stables.
