With hoofbeats and nerves of steel: the Federal Police mounted unit live

The props that the federal police team carries into the demonstration ring of the animal hall at Grüne Woche look like they belong at a children's birthday party. Pool noodles, balloons, and a long stick with red and white barrier tape are just a few of the items used to train the horses for their duties in the federal police mounted unit.

Normally, the 25 animals stationed in Stahnsdorf demonstrate their skills during police operations. They help de-escalate demonstrations or situations between rival fans after soccer games, guard borders, and patrol airports and railway lines. The mounted police have a better overview of dangerous situations than their colleagues on the ground, and the horses have a sure footing even on uneven terrain.

No fear of noise

Four of the horses, one of which is in training, will be showing off their skills at Grüne Woche on Saturday, January 17, 2026, and Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. each day. Loud music and clapping people don't seem to bother them, nor does the police car with flashing lights that drives into the ring in front of them.

The four of them demonstrate how a police cordon works, i.e., a closed line to control crowds. They move confidently through a pool noodle alley. The contact from both sides teaches them that they don't need to be afraid of it. The colorful balloons are a challenge for the animals in several ways: they move and pop suddenly when they burst. Flags and banners are used to simulate marches.

Keeping calm in dangerous situations

Even when riders make unfamiliar movements—demonstrated here by playing badminton—horses must resist their flight instinct. It is actually in their nature to flee when danger arises. That is why not every horse is suited to the mounted police. If it becomes apparent during training that a horse is too fearful, the federal police must reluctantly part with it. The horse can then pursue a different career, for example as a show jumper or vaulting horse.

The highlight of the show in the animal hall is a course of burning obstacles. Without hesitation, all four horses move between them, and even the fog machine, which imitates smoke, cannot harm them.

If you would like to learn more about the Federal Police Mounted Unit, you can visit them on June 6, 2026, in Stahnsdorf during their open house. The mounted police will have their own stand in Hall 25 at Grüne Woche until Sunday.