Victorian police mounted branch horses are being pampered after violent protests

Victorian Police horses are enjoying some well-deserved pampering from mounted branch officers after being targeted by violent protesters outside the Land Forces expo.

Four days after they were attacked by a mob of violent protesters outside the Land Forces expo, the police horses that captured Victoria’s hearts are being cared for by the force’s mounted branch officers.

Horses Portia, Clifford and Morris were in good spirits on Saturday morning, with police members grooming the trio and feeding them hay.

Victoria Police Mounted Branch member cuddle up with Portia in the stables. Picture: Ian Currie

Twelve riders and their horses were exposed to various levels of the substances sprayed by protesters outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday.

Shockingly, Clifford had a blue crate slammed into him by a protester.

The activists also hurled rocks, tomatoes and other projectiles at police and horses.

In other ugly scenes a woman was seen grabbing the reins of a police horse, while another was seen pushing a horse in the face.

Victoria Police mounted branch Senior Sergeant Jayne Hanson said the horses had been thoroughly assessed and were in good spirits.

A member cuddles up with Clifford under the heat lamps. Picture: Ian Currie

“Please be assured our horses have been assessed, are OK, and are already back out keeping the community safe,” Sen-Sgt Hanson said.

“The horses know how much they are loved and we sincerely thank the public for the amazing support they have shown.”

Sen-Sgt Hanson said the actions of some protesters on Wednesday placed police horses and riders at risk of injury.

“Most concerning was the deliberate spraying of liquid substances directly into the faces of police members and horses,” she said.

Victoria Police Mounted Branch members in the stables with horses. Picture: Ian Currie

“The mounted branch conducts extensive training for public order duties and even with the hostility directed by some of the demonstrators, our team showed extraordinary professionalism.

“Our police horses are our partners in protecting the community and it is disappointing to see anyone intentionally try to harm them.”

Police arrested 42 protesters as thousands of activists wreaked havoc at the anti-war, anti-Israel rally on Wednesday.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said that the investigation into the violent protest on Wednesday was still ongoing.

“A full assessment of all body worn camera footage and nearby CCTV will be conducted to ensure we identify those responsible for any offences, including the concerning clashes with our Mounted Branch members and their mounts,” she said.

Police arrested 42 protesters as thousands of activists wreaked havoc at the anti-war, anti-Israel rally on Wednesday.

Specialised riot squad officers wielding shields and heavily armed, lined the Spencer Street Bridge and barricaded the entrance to the centre amid the chaos.

About 1200 of the estimated 25,000 protesters attended the city by lunchtime on Wednesday.

A mounted branch member tempts Morris with a ball in the ring. Picture: Ian Currie

The Saturday Herald Sun revealed the bill to Victorian taxpayers for the conference had blown out to $30m after more than 12,000 rostered policing shifts were pulled away from other duties across the state.

It’s understood the event cost the state government up to $30m from the public purse — double the ­initial figure ­revealed by Treasurer Tim Pallas earlier this week — preparing for and policing the controversial three-day expo that wrapped up on Friday.

Anyone who witnessed unlawful behaviour, has footage or other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.