Mounted Branch

Watch Mounted Branch

  • 2008
  • 1 Season

Mounted Branch is an exciting new TV series available exclusively on discovery+. Providing a unique and rare glimpse into the day-to-day operations of the world-famous Mounted Branch of the Metropolitan Police, this gripping documentary follows the brave officers and their trusty steeds as they tirelessly patrol the streets of London.

With over 130 horses and 200 officers, it's an impressive feat of coordination and skill to keep the entire operation running smoothly. The show is narrated by Caroline Hemingway, a seasoned journalist and presenter, who brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to each episode.

Alongside Caroline, Charlie Aplin, a former police officer turned horse trainer, shares his expert knowledge and experience to reveal the intricacies of training and caring for these magnificent animals. Both presenters are passionate advocates for the Mounted Branch and the valued service they provide to the community.

Each episode takes viewers on a thrilling journey through London's bustling city streets, showcasing the skill and bravery of the officers and their horses. As well as providing a valuable service for events such as Trooping the Colour and the Notting Hill Carnival, they also play a crucial role in policing large-scale protests and public gatherings.

One episode sees the Mounted Branch deployed to manage a tense situation during a protest in Parliament Square. As the crowd becomes increasingly unruly, the officers must remain calm and composed, expertly controlling their powerful steeds to prevent any escalation.

Another episode follows the team as they prepare for and participate in a demonstration of their skills at the annual Horse of the Year Show. The riders and their horses must navigate a demanding course, demonstrating their agility and precision in front of a captivated audience.

Mounted Branch is not just about the officers and their horses, though. It also delves into the history of the unit, from its creation in the 18th century to its current modern-day incarnations. Interviews with former officers and expert historians provide valuable insight into the vital role the Mounted Branch has played in keeping London safe throughout the centuries.

Viewers will also get an inside look at the rigorous training and selection process for both the officers and the horses. Riding a Mounted Branch horse requires a unique set of skills, and it's fascinating to watch as the horses are put through their paces to ensure they are up to the task.

And it’s not all serious business either, as the show also explores the close bonds that develop between the officers and their equine partners. Many of these horses have served for years, and the officers speak fondly of the relationships they've built over time.

Mounted Branch is a compelling and informative show that provides a rare glimpse into one of the world's most iconic police units. From the brave officers to their magnificent horses, the series celebrates the dedication and skill that goes into keeping London safe. With Caroline Hemingway and Charlie Aplin at the helm, this show is a must-watch for anyone interested in policing, history, and of course, horses.

Mounted Branch is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (13 episodes). The series first aired on June 10, 2008.

Filter by Source

Seasons
The Recruits' Final Challenge
13. The Recruits' Final Challenge
July 22, 2008
Greater Manchester Police officers and their mounts patrol the city's nightlife, and the new recruits face their final challenge.
Fire Training
12. Fire Training
July 15, 2008
The Greater Manchester Police mounted unit welcomes a visitor from the Western Australia Police Force. The unit's dentist grapples with a grumpy patient, and the horses feel the heat in an intensive training session.
Testing New Recruits
11. Testing New Recruits
July 15, 2008
One horse in the Greater Manchester Police unit gets a special visitor, and the new recruits face their first test. The squad tackles antisocial behavior while out on patrol.
Festival Fireworks
10. Festival Fireworks
July 8, 2008
The farrier who works on the horses of the Greater Manchester Police mounted unit shares some tricks of the trade. While policing a religious festival, the horses face the ultimate challenge -- fireworks.
New Shoes
9. New Shoes
July 8, 2008
The horses of the Greater Manchester Police mounted unit get a visit from the farrier who keeps them on patrol. The unit is deployed for one of the busiest nights of the year.
Manchester at Night
8. Manchester at Night
July 1, 2008
The Greater Manchester Police mounted unit makes their presence felt as they target an area of the city popular with prostitutes. The new recruits get a sober reminder of the risks involved in becoming a mounted officer.
High Alert
7. High Alert
July 1, 2008
The chief inspector and stable manager go shopping for new equine recruits, one horse gets to know his new partner, and the Greater Manchester Police mounted unit is on high alert when the threat of terrorism looms.
Settling into the New Stable
6. Settling into the New Stable
June 24, 2008
The stable block refurbishment is completed, and the Greater Manchester Police horses move back in. While policing a major sporting event, the team proves that size really does matter.
Off to Greener Pastures
5. Off to Greener Pastures
June 24, 2008
Two of the Greater Manchester Police mounted unit's longest-serving horses are retired. There are high hopes for one of the newest equine recruits as he takes his final test in the city center.
Exercising the Horses
4. Exercising the Horses
June 17, 2008
The Greater Manchester Police mounted unit goes out looking for a gang of youths who have been terrorizing the neighborhood, and the trainers keep the unit's horses in top physical condition.
Demonstration Duty
3. Demonstration Duty
June 17, 2008
The Greater Manchester Police mounted unit is drafted to police one of the biggest demonstrations of the year, an anti-war rally. The officers make their presence felt on a night patrol of the city center.
Crowd Control
2. Crowd Control
June 10, 2008
It's a big day for a new recruit with the Greater Manchester Police mounted branch, and the unit puts their public order training to good use at an event that has been known to end in trouble.
Night Patrol
1. Night Patrol
June 10, 2008
The recruiting and training of both officers and horses is a constant process for the Greater Manchester Police. The unit's stable block undergoes renovations, and the officers head out to patrol the city streets late at night.
Description
Where to Watch Mounted Branch
Mounted Branch is available for streaming on the discovery+ website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Mounted Branch on demand at Discovery+, Amazon Prime and Animal Planet.
  • Premiere Date
    June 10, 2008