For one final time, All Hail Caesar

It is with deepest sorrow we come to you today with news of the loss of incredible former police horse Caesar at the age of 23. One of a kind, the great Caesar leaves a hole in our herd larger than most, not just due to his massive size but also his kind and gentle nature and extraordinary career.

Originally heading for a career pulling traditional drays and carts at county shows under the name Oliver, this gentle giant’s life took a completely different turn when he entered the Thames Valley Police force where he was given the new title PH Caesar. Taking to police work like a duck to water, Caesar soon lived up to the glory of his new name, working hard on patrols around Thames Valley. As a gorgeous 18.2hh shire horse, he was a huge presence on the streets he strutted down or at the events where he worked to protect the public. During his career with the Thames Valley Mounted Branch, Caesar attended many public order commitments, some of which as far afield as Devon and Cumbria! Working nationwide with such handsome good looks and his calm and kind temperament, Caesar amassed quite a fan club and was regularly recognised when out working. A courageous police horse, Caesar was mildly injured several times by missiles or other debris thrown by violent crowds during his role and yet this did not stop Caesar from recovering and returning to his duties every time! Another of his important roles each year was providing close protection security for the late Queen Elizabeth II at Royal Ascot during the Royal Procession. Caesar was even deployed to assist with various security operations involving the government and counter terrorism patrols at identified target locations.

A horse who could do it all and was so kind-hearted, Ceasar retired after 10 dutiful years of service due to lameness issues. A fond farewell to his amazing working life, Caesar was formally retired at the Thames Valley Police Open Day in 2016 and arrived ready for retirement with a spring in his step here at The Horse Trust. We are so proud to have given him seven amazing years of retirement, where he has enjoyed continuing his celebrity lifestyle without the day job! Of course, with his notoriety Caesar was an obvious candidate for our sponsorship scheme and his many fans have very kindly supported his retirement by sponsoring the great Caesar throughout his life here with us. He even had his own day, Caesar Sunday, when he would come in to meet all his many enthusiasts. Despite the clamour and devotion from his supporters and all of us who work here at The Horse Trust, Caesar never let it go to his head and remained his cool, calm and collected self throughout his retirement.

Originally retired to us with lameness issues, Caesar’s arthritis has been carefully managed by our Veterinary Director here at The Horse Trust but what medicine can’t control is the effect time has on these degenerative conditions that are all too common in older horses. Unfortunately, as Caesar’s condition deteriorated he began to struggle to lay down and hop back up, especially due to his size. Our vigilant grooms noticed that this was becoming more frequent for poor Caesar and after a couple of incidents of him needing lots of encouragement to stand, it was decided that to protect his quality of life, the kindest thing to do was to help Caesar cross the rainbow bridge and say goodbye for the final time.

An honest and hardworking horse with a heart of gold who served the public for an entire decade and gave such great joy to all he met, we know that many of our supporters will feel Caesar’s loss as keenly as our team here in Buckinghamshire and those who worked with him at Thames Valley Police. We find ourselves at a loss without our gentle giant but know that we must find the strength and courage that Caesar himself showed throughout his career to carry on caring for these beautiful horses who each have such unique stories and personalities. We find comfort that Caesar is at peace and will no longer know pain, reunited with his friends who have gone before him on that tranquil journey across the rainbow bridge to unending green pastures. For one final time, All Hail Caesar, may he rest in peace.