Call in the cavalry: Vietnam introduces mounted police force

By Giang Huy, Viet Tuan June 8, 2020 | 02:06 am PT

Vietnam's first mounted police battalion paraded in front of Hanoi's Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Monday morning, prior to a parliamentary session.

A parade by the mounted police force in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Parliament building on Hanois Doc Lap Street is approved by National Assembly delegates on Monday morning.

The parade on Doc Lap Street, which bisects the mausoleum and the parliament, was witnessed by the National Assembly delegates and other officials.

The parade consisted of 60 horses and several mobile police officers, led by two white horses.The mounted police force, which operates under the Mobile Police Force Command of the Ministry of Public Security, was formed in early 2020. The force directly train and utilize horses to fight crimes, as well as taking care of and breeding more horses.

The parading battalion consisted of 60 horses and police officers, led by two white horses.
The mounted police force, which will operate under the Mobile Police Force Command of the Ministry of Public Security, was formed in early 2020. The force will directly train and utilize horses to fight crime, and take care of the team, including breeding new members.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, National Assembly chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and other delegates overwatch the parade. The parade began at around 7 a.m.Despite the cavalry mobile police force being a new field in Vietnam, and the lack of insufficient experience and training, logistics and

National Assembly chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan receives the salute from a battalion officer as Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and others watch. The parade began at around 7 a.m.
Ngan noted that despite the cavalry being a new entity in Vietnam, the Public Security Ministry and officers are resolved to overcome all challenges including insufficient experience and training, logistics and human resources.

Police officers salute as they parade pass the Parliament building.

The police officers leading the battalion salute as they pass the parliament building.

The horse species used have good, resilient health, capable of adapting to different situations and is suitable for patrol and resolve protest situations, especially in remote areas where normal vehicles could not be used. The mounted police force would fight crimes, patrol and perform rescues in mountainous areas, as well as maintaining security in cities, said the police.

Police officers said the horses are in good health, resilient and capable of adapting to different situations. The force can be used for patrolling and controlling unruly demonstrations, especially in areas where normal vehicles cannot be used. The force will fight crime, patrol and engage in rescues in mountainous areas, as well as maintain security in cities. The cavalries could also transport weapons and food to remote areas, as well as participating in governmental ceremonies and receiving international heads of state. They would also participate in international competitions to gain experience.

The horses are all thoroughly trained to follow commands by police officers. So far, the police have bred and increased the herds population to 109, and tamed 65 wild horses.

The horses are all thoroughly trained to follow commands. So far, the police have bred and increased the team’s strength to 109, and tamed 65 wild horses.

A police officer and his horse listen to a speech by Ngan and other public security officials.

A police officer stands at attention as Ngan delivers a speech.

Police officers and their horses parade on the Doc Lap Street.

The parade sets off from one end of Doc Lap Street.

The horses parade along with their riders.

The mounted police parade in rows of five.

The parade ended at around 7:45 a.m. The horses and police officers would rest after the parade.

The parade ended at around 7:45 a.m. A police officer and his horse get some rest later