the early 1900s, there had been 211 mounted stations throughout the state. In 1974, policewomen were first appointed to the Mounted Branch with two mounted officers which by 1990 had increased to twenty mounted officers. In 2006, the Mounted Branch ceased its own stud now either purchasing or accepting donated horses. In 2016, the Mounted Branch moved to new purpose built stables at Attwood. Role The role of the Mounted Branch includes: Patrols both day and night to provide a high visible police presence Crowd control at demonstrations assisting the Public Order Response Team, and at sporting events and major events Land searches over extended distances and in difficult terrain for missing or wanted persons assisting the Search and Rescue Squad Ceremonial duties See also New South Wales Mounted Police References Further reading Police units of Australia Victoria Police Mounted police