28/10/2026
A DAY IN THE LIFE...........! (Part 2)
In this latest post we look back at the horse and its role at the Thebarton Police Barracks as well as some of the "living in" requirements that were unique during the 1950's.
The 1950s was a monumental and transformative decade for the South Australia Police (SAPOL) mounted operations. It marked the official birth of the "Cadre era" and the legendary policy of using exclusive grey horses, solidifying their horsemanship as a highly visible, world-unique symbol of South Australian pride.
Stabled at the historic Thebarton Police Barracks on Port Road, the unit underwent major shifts in structure, identity, and public duties during this post-war era.
1. The Establishment of the Mounted Cadre (1951)
While SAPOL had used horses since its founding in 1838, the modern identity of the unit was truly forged in 1951 with the formal establishment of the Mounted Cadre. This decade initiated a 48-year period (running until 1999) known for intense discipline, precise horsemanship, and a structured approach to crowd control and public relations.
2. The Birth of the "Police Greys" Policy
The 1950s firmly cemented SAPOL's most famous tradition: using only grey horses.
Contrary to the myth that the use of grey horses started with the First World War, the preferential use of greys actually dates back to a policy introduced by Commissioner Peterswald in 1862. Within a few short years, almost the entire troop of over 300 horses were grey. Any other colours were the exception, brought about by chance or necessity.
In 1951, it became official SAPOL policy to source and train greys exclusively, making them the only policing jurisdiction in the world to do so.
The horses chosen were typically substantial Percherons or Percheron crossbreeds. Standing at a minimum required height of 16 hands, these large, majestic animals offered distinct operational advantages: they were highly visible to the public at night and commanded immense authority in large crowds.
3. Royal Es**rts and High-Stakes Crowds
The horsemanship of the Cadre was highly visible at major public venues like the Morphettville Racecourse, but the definitive milestone of the decade occurred during the historic March 1954 Royal Visit by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.
The Cadre showcased world-class precision riding during the celebrations:
The Royal Es**rt: A full, official Royal Es**rt required a massive formation of 32 grey horses, with a Commissioned Officer riding directly alongside the royal dignitaries.
Dignitary Formations: Smaller, impeccably dressed formations of 22 horses were deployed for governors and other high-ranking officials.
4. Training and Daily Operations
Horsemanship in the 1950s required a rigorous, multi-year commitment from both the officer and the animal. It took an average of four years to fully train a SAPOL police horse to remain steady under intense pressure. The horses were comprehensively trained to navigate:
â—ŹOperational Patrols & Public Order: Managing rowdy sporting crowds or protests in downtown Adelaide.
â—ŹSearch and Rescue: Deploying out into the rugged Adelaide Hills and country townships.
â—ŹCeremonial Traditions: Leading iconic community events such as the annual ANZAC Day Parade and the beloved Adelaide Christmas Pageant, where their highly polished hooves and pristine coats captivated the public.
