A touching video shows the heartwarming moment 12 retired horses explored pastures new at the Horse Trust. The dozen equines from the Household Cavalry, police and Light Cavalry will now enjoy a quieter pace of life at the charity, following years of service.
First to enter the Horse Trust gates in Buckinghamshire was military lorry number one, holding the first three Household Cavalry horses: Kilimanjaro, Jaipur and Harvester. The following six Cavalry horses, Odin, Legolas, Knightsbridge, Kimberly, Iago and Incognito arrived shortly afterwards.
“Their faithful service deserves the upmost admiration, and they are all truly the most deserving of a well-earned retirement,” said a spokesperson for the Household Cavalry.
Also joining the Horse Trust herd was 17.2hh Shire, Poppy, a former Lancashire police horse who retired due to recurring lameness. During her career, Poppy took part all types of patrol work, from large football matches and events to Remembrance Day parades and the Jubilee Parade in May 2022, where she led a military parade with a full band.
Second police horse, Yachtsman, arrived at the sanctuary after three years with the Metropolitan Mounted Branch. He was retired early due to a suspensory ligament injury and was described by a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Mounted Branch as “a completely and utterly lovable thug who can be boisterous and clumsy at times, and very kind, affectionate, inquisitive… with very little spatial awareness!”
Last to arrive was Sky, a dark bay mare who spent four and a half years working with the Light Cavalry as part of their Ceremonial Team.
“Sky has been a massive part of the team here at the Light Cavalry and she has a group of wonderful supporting riders that love and adore her,” said a spokesperson from the Light Cavalry. “At 25 there are clear sign that she is ageing, and we are grateful to be able to give her the dignified retirement that she deserves.”
Jeanette Allen, CEO of The Horse Trust, said the charity was “thrilled” to offer the special horses a suitable retirement home.
“We have lots of new personalities to get to know and that’s hugely exciting,” she said. “These horses deserve their ease after a life of public service and we are truly honoured to be able to provide that for them all.”
