Long Serving Thames Valley Police Horse Retires To The Horse Trust

Clyde and John Thurston Thames Valley Police horse Clyde on Tuesday arrived at The Horse Trust's sanctuary for rescued and retired working horses in Speen, Buckinghamshire. Clyde, a 16.3hh Thoroughbred-Clydesdale cross, is one of the longest serving police horses in the UK, according to Sergeant John Thurston, of the Thames Valley Police Mounted Section. "Eight or nine years is the average working life of a police horse, while Clyde has put in an impressive 17 years service," said John. "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 been involved in all types of mounted police work during his time at Thames Valley police, including crowd control at demonstrations, football matches and riots, providing a police escort to heads of state visiting the Queen at Windsor Castle, and patrolling crime hotspots in the Thames Valley area. In June this year, Clyde received a commendation from HM The Queen at Royal Ascot in recognition of his long service. Clyde is well known among officers for his bravery when policing riots, demonstrations and clashes, according to John. "He's a very brave horse and always coped well during public order incidents," said John. "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." When off-duty, Clyde shows the more playful side of his personality. "He can undo knots, so can't be tied up with rope and has a habit of ripping up rugs," said John. "He's very affectionate - if you're standing by his stable, he hooks his head over you to pull you into the stable." Although Clyde is currently sound, the police have decided to retire him as he has started to struggle with the demands of police work. "Clyde has been slowing down and getting stiffer over the last year. We wanted him to have a healthy retirement after all his year’s service," said John. "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." Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive Officer of The Horse Trust, welcomed Clyde to the sanctuary. "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," said Jeanette. The Horse Trust depends on the support of the public to offer respite and retirement to working horses. It costs the charity an average of £10 per day to look after each horse at the sanctuary, which includes the costs of grooms, forage, farriery and veterinary care. To donate to The Horse Trust, please visit www.horsetrust.org.uk, or contact the charity on 01494 488 464 or [email protected]

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