Horse Trust rescue residents, Ernie and Sam, grazing in the Chilterns. Photo credits: Natalie, Senior…
Farewell, Falstaff
Farewell, Falstaff
It is with the utmost sadness that we must inform our loyal supporters of the news of Mr. Screwemtight’s passing at the age of 20. Mr. Screwemtight (aka. Falstaff, or Fally) had been battling a serious tendon tear over the last few months, which, after thorough treatment and investigation, proved unrecoverable.
Falstaff loved nothing more than galloping across the Chiltern Hills with his unruly gang, flapping his enormous ears. Although it was heartbreaking to think he would never get to have a final ‘blast’ across his fields, this uniquely-spirited boy couldn’t be allowed to suffer; it was time to say farewell to Falstaff.
Mr. Screwemtight’s Memorable Moments
- 2007 – Falstaff arrives at the Defence Animal Training Regiment at Melton Mowbray. The half-trained youngster had journeyed over from Holland and was ready to start learning the ropes. It was here that Falstaff’s tenacious spirit began to shine through; giving some of the most experienced riders a run for their money!
- Falstaff gets a promotion. Following his education under the watchful eye of Capt. Mark Avison (who is now our Equine Care Director), Falstaff showed so much promise that he was selected to serve in the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery as a charger. This was a great honour and a challenge that the collosal and brave 17.3hh was more than capable of taking on.
- Fiery Falstaff chaperones the Olympic flame. Falstaff and his rider successfully paraded the Olympic Torch through Woolwich, proving just how fearless our big lad really was!
- Falstaff’s Flying School. Officer’s lessons on Falstaff were known for being a mix of excitement and terror; being able to sit his enormous and unpredictable bucks was a badge of honour!
- Falstaff gets a royal telling off. Cheeky Falstaff decided to have a nibble on the Duchess of Cornwall during the opening of the new barracks at Woolwich. Despite receiving a few stern words, we’re sure he’d still pull the same stunt again if he could!
- Speaking of stunts… who could forget Falstaff’s “lap of honour” in Hyde Park. Perhaps Falstaff’s most famous (or should that be shameful?) moment was when he bucked off his rider during the 41-gun salute to mark the Queen’s 86th Birthday and took himself on a jolly around Hyde Park! He made national news that day!
- 2015 – Falstaff retires to The Horse Trust. After eight and a half years of service, and at the age of 15, Falstaff had earned his retirement in the rolling green pastures of Buckinghamshire following a diagnosis of Navicular Disease.
A well-earned retirement…
After a memorable career, in 2015 Falstaff began his retirement with us here at The Horse Trust. It is safe to say Falstaff lived up to his character, despite his advancing age!
He was a cheeky lad that never particularly enjoyed being caught by the grooms. When he had to come into the barns to have treatment for mud fever, our behaviourist, Charlotte, took the opportunity to re-train the behaviour. Let’s just say that Falstaff became so good at being caught that he even learned how to put his own headcollar on! The gorgeous Falstaff was often used for filming; and was a favourite at our annual event ‘Horses, Hounds and Heroes’. He really was loved and admired by the team, our visitors and our supporters alike.
Initially, when he retired to us from the King’s Troop he suffered with Navicular Disease. Over the last 5 years he was kept sound and happy, meaning that he thoroughly enjoyed his retirement. Unfortunately, a few months ago he injured a tendon in the navicular area; despite the best efforts of the team (including grooms, farriers and veterinary) we were no longer able to keep him comfortable.
Mr Screwemtight, you are a legend in our eyes and your cheeky personality will never be forgotten. The Horse Trust will not be the same without you.
Sleep tight our precious Fally.
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