Thames Valley police horse ‘legend’ death announced

Trojan, a former Thames Valley Police (TVP) horse, born in 2003, had retired in 2019 amid “ongoing lameness” and was described as having been a “big softie”.

He spent his retirement at The Horse Trust in West Wycombe alongside other fellow police horses, “relaxing in the field” and “enjoying the company of his friends”.

On April 11, announcing Trojan’s death, the trust said: “A much-loved member of the herd and adored by all who knew him, Trojan’s loss is felt deeply across the yard.

“Adored by our team, his sponsors and supporters alike, he brought warmth, character, and a touch of playfulness to daily life.

“Born in 2003, Trojan was a striking 17hh skewbald gelding whose colourful coat perfectly matched his vibrant personality.

“He served for five and a half years with Thames Valley Police, where he built a reputation as a brave and dependable horse with a particular flair for busy sporting events.

Xmas 2014- PC Andy Barkus on Trojan (Image: TVP Mounted Section)

“From Royal Ascot to football matches across the country including Oxford, Reading, Brighton, Leicester, Portsmouth, Wycombe and Southampton, Trojan carried out his duties with strength and calm composure.

“He was deeply valued by his colleagues, and his retirement marked the end of a respected and much-admired career.”

The charity explained that it had been managing Trojan’s lameness with “careful support and medication” so he could enjoy a good quality of life.

It said that his condition had “worsened significantly” in recent weeks and that the firmer ground conditions this spring had become “increasingly difficult”.

He had been popular as a sponsored horse at the charity, with members of the public receiving updates and photos of him.

The trust added: “He was loved throughout his working life, his retirement, and especially by his four-legged companions – some of whom he now joins once more.

“Trojan truly lived a life full of colour, as distinctive and memorable as his beautiful skewbald coat.

“Thank you, Trojan, for your bravery, your character, and your gentle, affectionate nature.

“Sleep well, big softie.

“From all his friends, both human and equine, you will be greatly missed.”

The charity cares for around 140 horses, ponies and donkeys, and it costs around £7,000 a year to care for each resident.

Recently, Luna, another former TVP Mounted Section horse, moved into the trust following her retirement.

Known for wearing custom-made “neigh-bands” sunglasses, she joined fellow service horses, Odin, her “horse husband”, and Atlas, earlier this month.