Police horses settle in at Horse Trust
Two of Essex's last police horses will see out their days in peaceful retirement at the Horse Trust's Chiltern Hills sanctuary, following the disbandment of Essex Police's mounted section.
Patrick, 12-year-old Czech warmblood, and Trojan, 14-year-old a Shire-thoroughbred cross, have both retired after a "busy and varied" career with the police. Their work has included policing the London 2012 Olympics, Premiership and Championship football matches, the Southend air show and V Festival.
It was announced that Essex Police's mounted section would be disbanded in October 2012, in order to save about £600,000 a year – part of an effort to make funding cutbacks throughout the constabulary.
The majority of the police horses are to be rehomed by other constabularies or to private homes throughout the UK and their riders are to remain within the force. As Patrick and Trojan can no longer be ridden due to health issues, they have been rehomed by the Horse Trust.
Currently closed to visitors until the spring, the Horse Trust houses 100 retired and rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. It is currently undergoing renovation work to provide those in its care with the very best facilities.
Jeanette Allen, the Horse Trust's chief executive, said: "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."
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
