Farewell, Lochearn

Today we bring you the heart-breaking news of another loss from our herd. Former Metropolitan Police horse, Lochearn, who retired to us in 2022 has passed away at the age of 21.

Lochearn came to the Metropolitan Police in 2008 as a 5-year-old. He was trained at Imber Court before being posted to Hammersmith stables to continue his training for public order work. Unfortunately, despite being brave in heavy traffic and nuisances, Lochearn had a fear of large crowds and found it very stressful to stand still with thousands of people surrounding him. This meant that Lochearn was not going to make it as an ‘operational’ police horse; however, he was very talented in the riding school. Therefore, Lochearn returned to Imber Court where he became a ‘class’ horse, used to teach student officers how to ride. During this time, Lochearn also represented the Metropolitan Police show jumping team at Royal Windsor Horse Show and was the Inspector’s mount on the Activity Ride for many years.

As Lochearn started to slow down, he was used as an ‘escort’ horse, helping the new horses by guiding them on the roads whilst they were completing their training. He was perfect for this role, as he was very much the wise, calm old man who settled the younger horses on the roads. He was a firm favourite at Imber Court, and it was a huge loss to them on his retirement.

A beautiful bright bay Irish Sports horse with a spectacular star on his forehead, Lochearn was formally retired to us during our annual summer event, Horses, Hounds and Heroes in June 2022. An extra special day for all connected to him, Lochearn was handed over to our Equine Care Director, Russell Pickin, former Chief Equitation Director of the Metropolitan Police Mounted Unit, who knows Lochearn very well indeed!

Russell said:

Lochearn was a firm favourite of the staff at the Met Police Mounted Training Establishment where he was used to help new recruits to learn to ride and escort the young horses in training. He was especially good at this and would walk on the outside of the young horses to protect them when being introduced to the roads and traffic around London to learn their job. He had a great character and was a stunning looking horse, he will be hugely missed by all.

Lochearn suffered a bout of colic that initial seemed quite mild. When he didn’t respond to treatment as expected he was referred to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) for surgery. Initially he had a good recovery from surgery but sadly deteriorated to a point that it was no longer fair to keep going with treatment and we let him go peacefully. We would like to extend our thanks to the hard work of the veterinary team at the RVC for everything they did for Lochearn. Rest in peace.