Service horses celebrated by World Horse Welfare

To coincide with the release of the film War Horse this week (13 January) World Horse Welfare are remembering their horses, past and present, who have given exceptional service to the forces and the police.

Digger

An eight-year-old 19hh Clydesdale (pictured). He is on a two year programme to become a drum horse with the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

This ‘gentle giant’ was taken in by Belwade Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Aberdeenshire in 2010 after his owners could no longer care for him.

He was soon rehomed and is adapting well to his new career. Household Cavalry Adjutant, Captain Roly Spiller, said: “Digger has proven to be a hugely popular horse with an excellent temperament, and is making good progress with his training.”

Penny

Taken in by the Charity’s Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in 2001, extremely underweight and covered in lice.

The mare, now 14, was rehomed to the King’s Troop where she continues to take part in many high-profile ceremonies, including the Queen Mother’s Funeral.

Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare Roly Owers said: “It is sometimes difficult to believe where horses such as Penny came from; she has undergone a complete transformation and now carries out one of the most prestigious roles performed by a horse in the country.”

Marley

Served Greater Manchester Police after being cared for as a youngster by the Belwade Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Aberdeenshire in 2002.

Fran Williamson who trained Marley at Greater Manchester Police said: “He was a strong character and carried out his police duties admirably and served the Police force well.”

After seven years of service Marley has now been retired to a loving family.

Copenhagen

Enjoyed his retirement at the World Horse Welfare headquarters after 14 years of service for the Household Cavalry.

The black gelding was seriously injured during the notorious IRA attack in Hyde Park on the men and horses of The Queen’s Life Guard in 1982.

General Manager at the time, Richard Felton said: “Despite his previous injuries and shrapnel still embedded in his body this gallant horse enjoyed a happy retirement at Hall Farm, Snetterton.”

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