‘Faithful’ police horse settles into his new life

A police horse has settled into his new life and is enjoying giving confidence to other equine residents at his retirement home.

Redland arrived at Bristol-based charity HorseWorld on 26 October after a long career with Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s mounted section.

He was then reunited with one of his former “colleagues” Beaufort, who retired at the charity in 2014.

Redland started work with the police in 2003 as a six-year-old and led parades, demonstrations and marches during his 13 years with the force.

The 17.3hh part-bred Irish Draught served as the sergeant’s horse on many occasions, including during the Bristol riots in 2011.

As well as this, he played key roles in civic ceremonial duties, displays at the Royal Bath and West show, Glastonbury Festival, the wedding of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall and the London 2012 Olympics.

“Redland has been a very faithful, reliable police horse and is loved by every member of staff and adored by every member of the public that he has met,” said Jonathan Green, of Avon and Somerset Constabulary mounted section.

The charity has posted videos on its social media pages of Redland enjoying riding out with his old friend, Beaufort, and yesterday (16 November) showed him helping with the training of fellow resident, Trinculo.

The 19-year-old escorted Trinculo, who is being assessed ready for rehoming, out on a hack and both “behaved impeccably”.

“After being given the chance to say hello face-to-face, they walked alongside each other brilliantly around the yard,” said a HorseWorld spokesman on social media.

“Next, our trainer, Caitlin hopped on board Trinculo to go out on the roads. As he has not been out on the roads for a while, Redland escorted him all the way which meant he had a calm, confident influence to hack out with.

“Both horses behaved impeccably, what fantastic stars they are.”

Lucy Elder

H&H senior news writer

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.