Bereden Politie: Fit en Gezond!

Summary

The video script discusses the increasing demand for mounted police, with over 400 deployments per year, leading to significant physical strain and nearly 15% sick leave. It highlights the rigorous nature of the job, including long hours on horseback and the need for both rider and horse to be in top physical condition. The most common injuries are back, neck, and shoulder complaints, often due to insufficient physical fitness. The script also emphasizes the importance of proper saddles for the horses and the unique challenges they face compared to show jumping horses. Initiatives to improve fitness and health among police officers and their horses are mentioned, including training, saddle analysis, and creating a culture of fitness. The script concludes with the passion of the officers for their work and the rewarding bond between rider and horse.

Takeaways

• 🐎 The police force has increased its use of horses, with over 400 deployments per year.
• 🚔 The demand for mounted police and their horses has grown, leading to nearly 15% sick leave due to the physical strain.
• 🎖️ The duties of mounted police are exciting, varied, and heavy, often involving long hours on horseback and night shifts.
• 🤕 The most common injuries among mounted police officers are back, neck, and shoulder complaints, often due to insufficient physical fitness.
• 🏇 Horses in police service are also heavily burdened, with specialists ensuring they are well-equipped for their tasks.
• 🛠️ The importance of a good, sturdy saddle for police horses is emphasized due to the heavy gear they carry.
• 🏋️‍♂️ The physical demands on both riders and horses are significant, with the need for top sport-level conditioning.
• 🌍 The work environment for mounted police is unpredictable, requiring constant readiness for any situation that may arise.
• 🏥 Efforts are being made to improve the physical fitness and mental health of mounted police officers through training and support.
• 🏆 The passion of the officers for their work is evident, with a strong commitment to the welfare of their horses and the service they provide.

Q & A

How many horses are being used annually according to the script?

The script mentions that more than 400 horses are being used annually.

What is the rate of sick leave among the horse riders mentioned in the transcript?

The sick leave rate is nearly 15%.

What are the most common types of injuries among the horse riders?

The most common injuries are back, neck, and shoulder complaints, often caused by insufficient physical fitness of the core muscles.

What is the significance of a good saddle for police horses?

A good saddle with a sturdy girth is important for police horses because they carry heavy loads and need to be able to sustain fast galloping without the saddle quickly becoming defective.

How do police horses differ from top dressage horses in terms of their training and capabilities?

Police horses need to be able to navigate various surfaces, such as curbs and different types of stones, which can cause slipping. This requires different capacities and skills compared to top dressage horses that perform on a beautifully prepared arena floor.

What is the physical and mental toll on the riders as described in the script?

The script describes the physical toll as significant, with riders enduring long hours on horseback and night shifts. Mentally, they must always be prepared for unpredictable situations.

What measures are taken to ensure the physical fitness of the police riders?

Measures include core stability and training sessions, saddle analyses, and creating a culture that promotes fitness.

Who is Marjolein van Dieren and what did she observe in 2011?

Marjolein van Dieren observed that many colleagues had physical complaints due to the heavy work. She sought practical solutions and brought in an expert from England for a rider analysis to help colleagues stay fit.

What role do the horses play in the emotional well-being of the riders?

The horses are not only a means of work but also provide emotional support. The script mentions that riders feel rewarded when their horses help them at work and are there for them when they return home.

How do the riders prepare for their work with the horses?

The riders prepare by doing warm-ups, including loosening up the horses with some loose stepping, which is also seen as a warm-up for the riders themselves.

What is the ultimate reward for the riders as mentioned in the script?

The ultimate reward for the riders is the recognition and help their horses provide them in their work, and the sense of accomplishment when their horses assist them, as it is described as a 'beautiful reward' for their efforts.