Farewell to gentle giant police horse who adored humans and Likits
A brave police horse who adored humans and Likits has died aged 23.
Iceini spent five years with Thames Valley Police’s (TVP) mounted unit, until navicular cut short his career, and he has spent the last 12 years in happy retirement at the Horse Trust.
During his time in service, Iceini escorted members of the Royal Family on state visits and many other occasions, including Royal Ascot.
Although his time with TVP was short, he was remembered fondly for his “fantastic attitude to work”.
A spokesman for the charity said his wonderful temperament and nature “shone through from the day he arrived”.
“He has always been a favourite with all the members of the team and was lovingly known as Rhino and Iceinidon, a new breed of dinosaur as named by the grooms, due to his sheer size,” she said, adding he was the charity’s heaviest horse, weighing in at 900kg.
“Even though this chap looked like a real bruiser, Iceini was truly the definition of a gentle giant,” she said.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“He loved nothing more than human company and receiving scratches, especially on his neck and chest. Another big love of Iceini’s was food and you could always find him first waiting patiently for breakfast in the mornings with best buddy Rocco in tow.
“Occasionally, Iceini would be treated to a Likit bar, which were his ultimate favourite. So, in brief, humans and food, the way to Iceini’s heart.”
The spokesman recalled how despite his “tough look”, there were certain circumstances where Iceini was not always so bold.
“Seeing Nicky the vet for check up and being measured with the dreaded height stick were not Iceini’s favourite things to do,” she added.
“He also did not enjoy being in the stable and would often take matters into his own hands…..taking stable doors off their hinges, that is!
“Luckily, he was not exactly built for speed so when this did happen, it wasn’t very fast. We soon learnt being on the yard was not for him, so spending the rest of his days in the fields was what we left him do.”
Iceini had recently been treated for primary bladder disease and arthritis, which had worked for a time.
“Sadly, after only a short while, his pain levels increased again dramatically. Knowing there was no further treatment we could offer Iceini, the heartbreaking but quick decision was made to not let him suffer any longer,” said the spokesman.
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.
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.