Snodgrass the police horse retires from Greater Manchester Police force

A police horse from the Greater Manchester Police has retired to The Horse Trust’s Home of Rest for Horses in Buckinghamshire after 15 years of loyal service.

Eighteen-year-old Snodgrass has proved to be a real asset to the mounted force during his time there.

But a hoof injury means that Snodgrass is no longer able to be ridden.

Chief Inspector Lynn Roby said: “Everyone in the mounted unit adores him — we all went to say our goodbyes when he left and there were quite a few tears”.

During his time with the police, Snodgrass has helped with crowd control at Manchester United’s homecoming parade after the team won the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.

He also helped to control crime hotspots within the area.

And his work was not strictly limited to the routine. Snodgrass has featured in television series and been used as a model for an exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery.

But it look like Snodgrass is going to be the last new recruit at The Home of Rest for a while, since a drop in public funding has resulted in an 18-month waiting list.

Chief executive Paul Jepson said: “We have had to close our doors to new horses temporarily.”

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