‘Fantastic’ police horse Fimber dies due to field accident
A long-serving police horse has died following a field accident.
Fimber, a chestnut gelding who served with West Yorkshire Police’s Mounted Section, died on Thursday (15 October) at the age of 14.
He joined the force in 2004 and served for 11 years.
Superintendent Pat Casserly said that Fimber was out in the paddock at the force’s Carr Gate base when the accident happened.
He said they believe he was spooked and tried to jump out, but collided with a wooden post.
“He was seriously injured and unfortunately died on his way to the vet,” said Supt Casserly.
“Officers and staff at Carr Gate are distraught at the sudden death of Fimber. He was friendly and courageous and will be sadly missed.”
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Since the force shared the news, they have been flooded with messages of support.
“We have been inundated with messages of sympathy and condolences following the news today, and would like to thank all who offered their support,” WY Police Horses tweeted on Friday (16 October).
A few of my favourite Fimber pics pic.twitter.com/a7fDV2EW5sA few of my favourite Fimber pics pic.twitter.com/a7fDV2EW5s— WY Police Horses (@WYPHorses) October 16, 2015— WY Police Horses (@WYPHorses) October 16, 2015
The Wakefield Central neighbourhood police team also posted a tribute to the “brilliant equine officer” on their Facebook page.
“All officers have strong links to our horses and dogs and are treated as fellow officers,” they said.
“Without them we would struggle at certain aspects [of] our jobs.
“Central NPT would like to send our loving condolences to a fantastic officer Fimber.”
End of an era
The force’s mounted section also shared news about another of its equine members yesterday (20 October).
Police horse Louis — their last horse that was involved with policing the 2001 Bradford riots — has retired at the age of 20.
Loius has finally retired at the age of 20 & gone to his forever home. He looks happy in his new home pic.twitter.com/90NmjeBgZJLoius has finally retired at the age of 20 & gone to his forever home. He looks happy in his new home pic.twitter.com/90NmjeBgZJ— WY Police Horses (@WYPHorses) October 19, 2015— WY Police Horses (@WYPHorses) October 19, 2015
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
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.