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Finishing post for Ross the police horse
Ross ps1206-16b Ross The Police Horse Retires Pictured by Pam Stanforth ps1206-16 Ross, PC Caroline Middleton
A 19-Year-old horse employed by Humberside Police, is set to retire next week, after 15 years on the force.
Ross is the longest-serving horse in the police’s mounted section, having joined when he was just a year old and finally being broken in three years later.
He has been involved with a variety of activities since becoming established as a police horse, including missing person searches, neighbourhood support and night time economy patrols, as well as carrying out public order patrols and being utilised to keep police scenes sterile after crimes have been committed.
PC Caroline Middleton said: “I can honestly say, and I speak for all mounted officers, that Ross is the best police horse we have ever had. There is nothing that scares him or that he would refuse to go into.
“Ross has impeccable manners. He is a joy to work around in every field. He has no vices and is very polite. He is well-behaved for everyone including the farrier, vet and groom.
“He would load himself into the lorry, if he could. He generally knows what you want from him before you even ask.”
In addition to his general duties as a police horse, Ross has covered several football matches and worked in cities across the country, including Manchester and Nottingham.
One of the highlights of Ross’ police career was the ‘All the Queen’s Horses’ parade as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations 20 years ago. This was a collaboration of over 1,500 horses from all walks of life, including other police forces and the Kings Troop. He was also present at Teesside Airport when President Bush landed in this country for a visit.
The recent industrial disputes at BP Saltend and the Linsey Oil Refinery in Killingholme have likewise provided Ross with supplements to his CV, as have protests by the English Defence League and animal rights demonstrations.
PC Middleton added: “Ross is the only police horse I know to get excited in public order situations. They are what he thrives on. He actively wants to be involved in crowd dynamics and is in his element at the front of an escort.
“His retirement is well-deserved, but he will be missed by everyone who has ever had the pleasure to work with him.”
Ross will be enjoying his retirement at The Horses Trust in Buckinghamshire.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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