APPLICANTS for the latest police role vacancy must be ‘sensible and mature’, ‘good with traffic’ and willing to be paid in apples and carrots.

The search is on for Thames Valley Police's next police horse, who needs to be up to scratch to represent the force at ‘iconic’ events.

The horse must be between five and nine years old, be 16.3hh or taller and have permission from its owner.

In return the animal will be groomed free-of-charge, get ‘training and development opportunities’, and annual leave – for the summer holidays.

The force listed the role on its TVP mounted section Twitter page.

It said: “The job role of a horse is like no other.

“It can be extremely rewarding and no two days are ever the same.

“You will work towards making life safer and more secure for those living within the Thames Valley community.

“You will be fully trained to protect the public, provide a reassuring presence in the community, assist in the search of missing people as well as carrying out ceremonial duties.”

The job advert asked any interested applicants to get their owners to send in applications.

The post sparked a thread of light-hearted puns and jokes.

Sara Buck tagged somebody who might be interested, adding: “It’s to assist with the neigh bour hoof teams. Neighbourhood teams, for clarification.”

One user asked about the types of horses that the force typically uses.

The officers replied: “Some of the breeds we use are Irish Draughts, Shires, Percherons and Normandy Cobs.”

The new four-legged recruit will be joining 183 other new human police recruits who are expected to be hired in the first wave of Boris Johnson’s 20,000 police boost across the country.

Police horses are typically spotted with officers at major events in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

In May last year officers on horses stood at the picket line at a protest against Katie Hopkins' arrival at the Oxford Union.

In October horses also led the procession of PC Andrew Harper’s funeral.

To put your horse forward for the job email an application to

Kevin.Simmons@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.