One of the country’s longest-serving police horses is beginning retirement after 18 years of service for Thames Valley Police.
Clyde, a 16.3hh thoroughbred-Clydesdale cross has been retired to the The Horse Trust’s sanctuary in Speen, Buckinghamshire. During his career 22-year-old Clyde was involved in all aspects of mounted police work including crowd control, escorts and patrolling crime hotspots.
Sergeant John Thurston from the Thames Valley Police Mounted Section said of his old partner: “The Horse Trust is a horses ideal horsey heaven. We are so pleased that he was able to retire in these peaceful surroundings.
“He looks so content and he still has that sparkle in his eye.”
Although Clyde is still sound, the decision was taken to retire him as he was starting to struggle with the demands of police work.
Shirley Abbott, yard manager at The Horse Trust said: “It is great to see him back with his old stable mate Titan, the largest police horse in the UK, who retired here in May 2011.
“Clyde has a real interest in the mares as he has spent the last 18 years with geldings. He has settled at The Horse Trust extremely quickly and he is not fazed by his new home at all.”
In June last year Clyde received a commendation from HM the Queen at Royal Ascot in recognition of his long service.
