High-profile police horse given warm send off as he retires

A 21-year-old police horse, who has enjoyed a high-profile career, embarked on his well-deserved retirement on Monday.

Hallam was part of the South Yorkshire Police mounted unit. He attended close to 700 football matches throughout his career, played a major role in policing the G8 conference in 2005, paraded on Remembrance Sunday and welcomed British troops home from Afghanistan.

Hallam will now enjoy an easier life at the Horse and Pony Protection Association centre at Briercliffe, near Barnsley.

A police spokesman said: “Recently Hallam’s workload has been reduced to reflect his advancing years. But his experience and nature have been invaluable in escorting new and inexperienced horses during riot and fire training and patrolling the county’s busiest roads.”

Hallam had nine different riders throughout his police career, many of whom turned up to wish him well on Monday.

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