'˜Gentle and brave giant' police horse who guarded the Queen is retired

He came, he saw, he conquered but after a decade of brave service across the Thames Valley, Caesar the Shire horse has been retired.
Caesar on dutyCaesar on duty
Caesar on duty

Caesar was a much-loved member of the Thames Valley Mounted Police section and has was retired to the Horses Trust in Bucks this week.

The 15 year old, 18.2hh Shire Gelding, swapped the tarmacked streets for green pastures at The Horse Trust in the heart of the Chilterns where he will see out his days.

It is truly an end of an era for Thames Valley Police but the start of relaxing and taking life far more slowly for magnificent animal.

Caesar is a magnificent animal weighing in at one metric tonneCaesar is a magnificent animal weighing in at one metric tonne
Caesar is a magnificent animal weighing in at one metric tonne

Caesar was mostly ridden by the Section’s Sergeant and a spokesman said ‘taking off his saddle for the last time was a deeply emotional moment for all those who have had the privilege to work with, ride and care for such a wonderful horse’.

Caesar’s truly colourful career was dotted with a wide variety of duties including providing Close Protection Security to Her Majesty The Queen’s Royal procession on the course at Ascot every year, attending many public order commitments including assisting other forces as far afield as Sussex, Devon and even Cumbria.

Caesar also attended many demonstrations and marches across the UK facing large and often violent crowds.

His career with Thames Valley Police did not pass without incident either as he was injured on several occasions by objects thrown during public order operations.

Caesar with Spencer SturneyCaesar with Spencer Sturney
Caesar with Spencer Sturney

Weighing in at a whopping one metric tonne, Caesar is described as a ‘gentle but brave giant’ and has often been deployed across Thames Valley locations to help other horses deal with the most challenge of situations. Caesar

also as been involved with various security operations involving the current government and counter terrorism patrolling at specific identified target locations.

Pictured here with Sgt Spencer Kervin leading him off the truck to trot into retirement here at The Horse Trust, this was not the first time Caesar has visited local charity that would become his retirement home.

Police horses often face large crowds and occasionally even violence and aggression and must be able to work closely together in teams in order to help maintain public safety. Previously Caesar came to The Horse Trust with Police horses Sampson, Odin, Trojan, Pagan and Luna to train together as part of a troop drill to practice working as a team.

Caesar is a magnificent animal weighing in at one metric tonneCaesar is a magnificent animal weighing in at one metric tonne
Caesar is a magnificent animal weighing in at one metric tonne

PC Tim Pollock of TVP said ‘thanks to the size of The Horse Trust’s horse training school, we are able to work six horses together, which is a useful experience for them’.

The Horse Trust is immensely proud of its long relationship with Thames Valley Police and many officers who are not in the Mounted Section visit The Horse Trust to receive training in basic horse handling and welfare assessment, to ensure that they have the skills needed to deal with stray horses on the road, as well as any welfare concerns they may encounter.

Caesar will now live out his twilight years in the expert care and beautiful setting of The Horse Trust as a well-earned reward for his many years of service to the country and the community.

All Thames Valley Police horses retire to the care of The Horse Trust, along with horses that have served in Police forces across the country, in the Army and local welfare cases and as a registered charity it relies on donations from the public.

For more information about The Horse Trust visit the official website.