Goodnight, Lancaster

Sadly, we must announce the passing of another beloved herd member; retired Lancashire Police horse, Lancaster at the age of 16 years old.

A stunning bright bay warmblood standing at 17 hands high, Lancaster spent a decade serving his community with the Lancashire Constabulary. Joining the force in 2013, Lancaster was involved in all policing duties expected of horses working for the force. This included many large events across the County; countless large football matches, and a particularly memorable EDL Demonstration on Preston Flag Market where he was in the thick of the action. Due to his name, he was a regular at the Lancaster Castle Shield Hanging which he attended in his ceremonial attire. Outside of his operational duties, Lancaster also helped many riders pass their Intermediate Course on the flat and jumping phases, he was said to be quite a challenging ride but extremely rewarding when everything came together. He was also featured on the 2022 Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy Campaign, which The Horse Trust has been a campaign beneficiary of in the past. He featured on Poppy wreaths and leaflets, wearing his Purple Poppy with pride.  A very vocal horse, Lancaster was known for always whinnying on the yard so continuously that it sounded like he is singing you a song. Lancashire Mounted unit said that his yodelling whinny is what they would miss most, and their yard would certainly be quieter without him.

After ten years of brave and tireless service, Lancaster started suffering with some lameness issues and was also diagnosed with Cushing’s disease which made it clear he was ready to hang up his tack and head to the green pastures here at The Horse Trust for retirement. We welcomed Lancaster with open arms back in 2023, ready to care for him alongside other Lancashire Constabulary veterans who already reside with us here in the Chilterns, such as Elswick and Caton. He settled into retired life like a duck to water and made lots of friends, including sponsor horse from South Wales Police, Rubin and fellow ex-Lancashire Police Horse Rivington!

Unfortunately, Lancaster’s lameness issues continued whilst with us and his case was reviewed regularly by our veterinary surgeon and expert farrier, with results showing that he was suffering from a bone infection for which the prognosis of any treatment options was poor. With his quality of life starting to be impeded by his lameness, we made the heartbreaking decision to put Lancaster to sleep to protect his welfare. We are pleased to have offered him over a year of idyllic surroundings and new friends after his service, but we will miss him, as we miss all those we have lost from our herd. Sleep tight, Lancaster. HTx