Brave Police Horse Spartan retires to The Horse Trust

Friday, 18 October 2013

Thames Valley Police Horse Spartan] has retired to The Horse Trust’s Home of Rest for Horses in Buckinghamshire after spending six years’ service.

PC Andy Barkus who trained Spartan said “Spartan is the boldest police horse I have ever worked with. During a demonstration in Brighton, the demonstrators decided to block our path with wheelie bins. Spartan pushed straight through without any hesitation”.

As well as protecting the public on daily patrols , at football matches and occasionally the terrible violence of demonstrations Spartan, a 17.1hh Clydesdale cross fondly known as Sparky enjoyed some notable moments in his career at the London Olympics, Her Majesty The Queen Mother’s funeral, and Sir Elton John’s wedding. He even escorted HM The Queen at Royal Ascot.

Spartan is full of character and has a reputation for getting grumpy, especially when his feeding routine is interrupted! He was a huge favourite at Thames Valley Police. PC Kirsty Wilson, who rode Spartan for two and a half years, said “Spartan is my favourite horse. Although I will miss him, I am so pleased he has the opportunity to retire at The Horse Trust”.

Whilst visiting The Horse Trust to drop off Spartan for his well-deserved retirement Thames Valley Police Mounted Section took the opportunity to spend the day training some of their other horses in the charity’s new sand school.

Police horses often face large crowds and occasionally even violence and aggression and must be able to work closely together in teams in order to help maintain public safety. Police horses Sampson, Caesar, Odin, Trojan, Pagan and Luna trained together at The Horse Trust as part of a troop drill to them practice working as a team. PC Tim Pollock of Thames Valley police said “thanks to the size of The Horse Trust’s school, we are able to work six horses, which is a useful experience for them”.

The Horse Trust is proud of its long relationship with Thames Valley Police. Many of their police officers who are not in the Mounted Section visit The Horse Trust to receive training in basic horse handling and welfare assessment, to ensure that they have the skills needed to deal with stray horses on the road, as well as any welfare concerns they may encounter.

The Horse Trust relies entirely on donations to fund vital work which includes providing a dignified retirement for hard-working equine public servants like Spartan and providing essential training for police officers. To donate, please visit www.horsetrust.org.uk or call 01494 488464.



Photography:
Spartan retires to The Horse Trust
Thames Valley Police Horses at The Horse Trust (1)
Thames Valley Police Horses at The Horse Trust (2)

-Ends-
For further information please contact:
The Horse Trust
Catherine Napper
T 01494 540024
M: 07900 905199
E: catherine@horsetrust.org.uk
W www.horsetrust.org.uk

PR Agency
Insight Group Marketing
Mark Robson
T: 0845 643 6181
M: 07785 395 499
E: tht@insightgroup.co.uk
W: www.insightgroup.co.uk

Notes for Editors:

1. 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.

2. 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 per year on medication and vets fees. To donate to The Horse Trust, please visit www.horsetrust.org.uk, or contact the charity on 01494 488 464 or info@horsetrust.org.uk.