The Vancouver Police Mounted Squad was established in 1908 with 11 officers and 12 horses, initially patrolling Stanley Park. By 1911, the squad had 20 riders and a second stable near the park entrance. However, World War I led to significant cuts, reducing the squad to only two members by 1916.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the Mounted Squad began to rebuild during a time of labour unrest and riots. They provided escort for the Royal Visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939. The squad was disbanded in 1949 but temporarily re-established in 1951 for Princess Elizabeth’s visit to Stanley Park. In the 1960s and 1970s, the squad was used for crowd control in events like the Gastown Riot and Grey Cup games.

To become a VPD horse, the animal must be a gelding, at least five years old, 16 hands high or taller, dark in color, and have a quiet disposition. Horses undergo a 60-day trial period with nuisance training before being introduced to Stanley Park trails and eventually more crowded areas like the Aquarium and beaches. Accepted horses are purchased, given a badge number, and trained by a police officer.