The horse patrol was introduced very early on in the fledgling Birmingham Police.

 Seven constables were formed into an initial horse patrol in 1840. In later years, the force would hire horses as and when they needed them, and there were always ex-military cavalrymen available to ride them for ceremonial duties, royal escorts and the like. ​

In 1923, after a few years negotiating ownership of horses with the Birmingham Corporation, Chief Constable Charles Haughton Rafter formed the Birmingham City Police Mounted Branch.​

Over the next 76 years, the branch grew from strength to strength, playing a key part in the policing of football matches, protests, disorder and  community events. They were a common sight at the various football clubs around the West Midlands, and often went to shows and fairs around the country to perform their famous musical dances.​

In 1999 due to escalating costs, budget cuts and a decline in football violence across the country, the West Midlands Police mounted unit was disbanded.