‘As brave as they come’: heartbreak as retired police horse put down
An “exceptional” retired police horse, who was “as brave as they come”, has died aged 23.
The Horse Trust paid tribute to Albert, who was put down on 10 March after a short illness.
Albert arrived with the charity in 2015 after his retirement from the Thames Valley Police mounted branch, which he served for 10 years.
A spokesman for the Horse Trust said Albert was an “exceptional” police horse who patrolled cities and towns throughout the Thames Valley area.
“He worked numerous football matches including Reading, Oxford United, MK Dons and Wycombe Wanderers,” she said.
“He also worked alongside neighbouring forces including Leicester, Swindon, Brighton, and Northampton. Police horses who worked at these matches were often the bravest as some could occasionally result in disorder and pitch invasions – Albert was as brave as they come.”
During his varied career Albert attended public order demonstrations and concerts, including Oasis and Green Day at the Milton Keynes Bowl.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“He even stepped up to royal duties, escorting The Queen at the Royal Ascot races, and the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Household Cavalry during state visits to Windsor,” said the spokesman.
“In 2014 Albert was a finalist in the RSPCA and Daily Mirror Animal Hero Awards, recognised for his bravery.”
The spokesman said the “difficult decision” was made to retire Albert owing to lameness issues.
“Albert was very much loved by all the team and everyone who had met him while he was out on duty. His doting lead groom at the time described him as ‘the prettiest horse in the world’ and we could see exactly why,” she said.
“On arrival at the Horse Trust, it was safe to say Albert made his presence known. He towed his handler off the lorry as if to say, ‘I’m home!’ and from that moment we immediately fell in love with the gorgeous fella.”
The spokesman said on one occasion, at the charity’s Horses, Hounds and Heroes event a few years ago Albert made his presence known.
“He decided he didn’t want to be tied up and stand like the sensible police horse he was and bolted away. We couldn’t help but giggle at the fact the younger horses were all stood looking on in despair as the elderly officer with years of experience was carting around the field at speed,” said the spokesman.
“And that is why Albert was so loved, as his age never got in the way of his big cheeky personality.”
Article continued below…
Farewell to ‘extremely special’ 19hh retired police horse
‘He was absolutely magnificent and with that colour, boy, he stood out from the crowd’
‘Gentle giant’ earns his retirement after long Household Division service
A spokesman for the Horse Trust said Oscar had a ‘colourful’ career and was responsible for carrying senior officers on
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
The spokesman added that as he struggled to adapt to herd life at the charity, Albert moved to a private foster home where he spent the rest of his years.
“Our hearts and condolences go out to them and we thank them for looking after him. Our horses’ welfare and health are always our top priority and we know he was very happy in his foster home and was smothered with love,” said the spokesman.
“It’s been a pleasure and an honour to offer Albert this bespoke retirement. A true local hero who will always be remembered, not only for his bravery but the smiles he has brought to many. Sleep tight special boy.”
Would you like to read Horse & Hound’s independent journalism without any adverts? Join Horse & Hound Plus today and you can read all articles on HorseandHound.co.uk completely ad-free
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.