Police horses retire to the country (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Police horses retire to the country

7:00am Sunday 3rd February 2013 in News

A NEW home has been found for two of Essex Police’s former horses.

Patrick and Trojan are now in the care of The Horse Trust in the Chiltern Hills after the Essex Police Mounted Unit was disbanded.

The horses helped the county at events including the London 2012 Olympics, Premiership and Championship football matches, an English Defence League demonstration, the Southend Air Show and V Festival.

Twelve-year-old Patrick was retired with arthritis and lameness in his back legs and Trojan, 14, has painfull stomach ulcers so neither were suitable for further duties.

Some of the other horses have been transferred to forces that still have mounted units and others given to private homes.

A spokesman for the trust said: “The charity provides a dignified retirement for working horses like Patrick and Trojan who have spent a lifetime bravely serving their county or community in the police or military.”

Chief Executive Jeanette Allen added: “We are proud to be able to offer Patrick and Trojan the dignified retirement they deserve after years of brave and loyal service with the Essex Police.

“It is wonderful to bring a little bit of Essex to the Buckinghamshire countryside. They are both gorgeous horses with great characters and are very welcome additions to our herd.”

It costs £12 a day per horse so the trust needs £4,380 to pay for Trojan and Patrick.

To donate visit www.horsetrust/essexboy.