Write your message to show your support for London's Bravest Police Horse
Meet Chiswick, a horse hero who spent 12 years tirelessly protecting the people of London. His fearlessness and courage earned him a reputation as one of London's bravest police horses. Chiswick recently arrived at The Horse Trust, a Buckinghamshire-based charity, where he will enjoy a hard-earned retirement. Although Chiswick's days of policing riots and football matches are behind him he is now facing his biggest ever challenge after he suffered a potentially life-threatening infection and had to undergo emergency surgery to help save him.
Chiswick's grooms raised the alarm when they noticed that the cheeky 17 year old seemed very quiet and had started to rapidly lose weight. This big chap usually has a very healthy appetite, but he was struggling to eat and kept dropping food from his mouth after a few bites (known as quidding). His vets were so concerned that they referred to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). CT Scans showed that Chiswick had a serious infection in the root of his tooth which had spread to his sinuses. The vets at the RVC carried out emergency surgery as if the infection had spread any further it could have been life threatening.
Handsome 17.3hh bay gelding Chiswick is no stranger to the limelight and has acted as mounted escort to the Queens Life Guard, Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and the Royal Wedding in 2011. Chiswick also held the position of a "Pointer" during State Funerals where he was ridden by the Inspector of the Mounted Branch. He also attended the London 2012 Olympics and even featured in the 2002 Bond film ‘Die Another Day'.
Chiswick, who is also known as Daniel, has been visited regularly PC Mick Wass, his rider during his time at the Met. Chiswick is always delighted to see his old friend and can't wait to check Mick's pockets for his favourite treat of Polo mints. Mick and Chiswick have faced some terrifying situations whilst helping to maintain public order on the streets of London. He showed exceptional bravery during the student riots 2010 when he jumped burning barricades. Police horses often risking serious injury to carry out their duties protecting the public. The level of trust required between both horse and rider cannot be underestimated. Mick told us "Chiswick has always liked to think he is the one in charge, but he has always looked after me."
Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive of The Horse Trust, said: "Chiswick is a real hero and it is a privilege to be able to provide him with a dignified retirement after spending a lifetime bravely serving the people of London. I would like to thank PC Wass, the RVC and all of our supporters who are helping us do all we can to ensure that Chiswick makes a full and speedy recovery."
Please help show your support for Chiswick by signing The Horse Trust's Police Horse Pledge Book athttps://helping-the-trust.horsetrust.org.uk/pledge/
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Notes for editors:
The Horse Trust, founded in 1886, is the oldest horse charity in the UK. Based at Speen, Buckinghamshire, it provides a place of retreat for working horses that have served their country or community and nurtures them throughout their final years. The charity also gives sanctuary to horses, ponies and donkeys that have suffered and need special treatment. The Horse Trust funds non-invasive research that advances knowledge of equine diseases, improving diagnosis and treatment and reducing suffering among equines worldwide. The charity also offers training for professionals and owners, with a focus on equine welfare and quality of life assessment.
The Horse Trust depends on the support of the public to look after retired working horses. It costs the charity an average of £12 per day to look after each horse at the sanctuary, which includes the costs of grooms, forage, farriery and veterinary care. The Horse Trust spends £50,000 a year on vets bills to keep our horses, ponies and donkeys fit and healthy. To donate to The Horse Trust, please visit www.horsetrust.org.uk, or contact the charity on 01494 488 464 orinfo@horsetrust.org.uk.
The Horse Trust's Home of Rest for Horses in Buckinghamshire is currently closed to the public as we are undertaking extensive repair and renovation work. This work includes replacing the 40 year old stable blocks, building a new intensive care unit and equine treatment clinic to help better care for rescued and retired working horses at our Home of Rest. We will also build our first ever sand school and horse walker which will provide therapeutic exercise for our older horses and ponies and be used for backing and training younger rescued horses. The Horse Trust will re-open to visitors in spring/summer 2013.
For further information please contact:
The Horse Trust
Catherine Napper
T 01494 540024
M: 07900 905199
PR Agency
Insight Group Marketing
Mark Robson
T: 0845 643 6181
M: 07785 395 499