Mounted police have always been used in law enforcement when assigned to crowds, whether peaceful or non-peaceful crowds. That way they police are high enough to see what’s going on beyond the people directly next to them. Duh! “New York City’s Finest,” as they used to be known until their ability to do their job was taken away by those who want revolution in the streets, have always had mounted police on duty, creating order not by force, but just by their presence, especially when they are visible on the tall horses.
Indeed. Everything you say is true.
And a horse is simply a very powerful and intimidating animal. A mounted officer simply has to just nudge the horse a bit in your direction and you’re going to move.