Police horse honoured by the Queen set to enjoy retirement with The Horse Trust
By Katy Islip
General news
23 December 2011 12:52
A police horse who faithfully served for 17 years and received a commendation from the Queen is starting his retirement with charity The Horse Trust.
Clyde, a 16.3hh Thoroughbred-Clydesdale cross, recently retired from his role with Thames Valley Police and is one of the UK’s longest-serving police horses, with 17 years’ service under his girth.
He arrived at the trust’s sanctuary in Speen, Bucks, on Tuesday (December 20) and is busy settling in to his new home.
Sergeant John Thurston, of the Thames Valley Police Mounted Section, said: "Eight or nine years is the average working life of a police horse, while Clyde has put in an impressive 17 years service.
"I know the Met Police has a horse they use for ceremonial occasions that has served longer, but Clyde is potentially the longest serving operational horse."
Clyde has policed everything from demonstrations, football matches and riots, and also provided a police escort for heads of state visiting the Queen at Windsor Castle alongside his work patrolling the towns of the Thames Valley.
In June this year, Clyde received a commendation from the Queen at Royal Ascot in recognition of his long service, and is well known among officers for his bravery.
Sgt Thurston said: "He's a very brave horse and always coped well during public order incidents.
"He's had everything thrown at him - petrol bombs, flares, bottles - and nothing bothers him. We often used him as the lead horse as he's so brave and responsive."
Although Clyde is still sound the decision was taken to retire him as he’d started to struggle with the demands of police work.
Sgt Thurston said: "Clyde has been slowing down and getting stiffer over the last year. We wanted him to have a healthy retirement after all his years’ service.
"I'm really happy that he'll be having a nice retirement at The Horse Trust. He's going to love meeting the visitors and grazing in the fields there."
Now he’s arrived at the sanctuary, Clyde is busy showing off his playful side, which includes his habit of undoing knots.
Sgt Thurston added: "He's very affectionate - if you're standing by his stable, he hooks his head over you to pull you into the stable."
Jeanette Allen, chief executive officer of The Horse Trust, welcomed Clyde to the sanctuary.
She said: "Clyde has given an impressive number of years service to the Thames Valley Police and we're happy that he can now have a peaceful place to spend the remaining years of his life. I hope this will be the first Christmas of many that Clyde will enjoy at The Horse Trust.”
To help the charity offer more horses like Clyde the retirement they deserve, visit www.horsetrust.org.uk, email info@horsetrust.org.uk or call 01494 488464 to donate.