Mounted Operations has been a part of South Australia Police history since it was formed in 1838 with a small contingent of mounted troopers. The police greys have been an integral part of SA Police since World War 1 and is the only Australian police service that exclusively uses greys. Facilities include a 40 x 70m indoor arena, an outdoor arena and 32 stables with large break out yards, The stables also include cross ties, tack room, laundry, offices, uniform and equipment storage, a vet station, wash facilities, round yards, walker and associated shedding.
The site has significant sustainability measures incorporated, with 350,000 litres of rainwater storage, 200kw of solar panels to the roof of the indoor and the property has been revegetated with endemic species of around 14,000 plants.
Historical fabric from the century old Thebarton Barracks has been incorporated into the new facility.
The paddock design is a significant feature of the site, allowing for horses to eat and drink in a group shelter and place less stress on the pasture. The paddocks have been sown with native pasture grasses. The project was designed and constructed under pressing time constraints, driven by the development of a major new hospital on the old barracks site.
