Help Our Equine Heroes This Winter

Help Our Heroes

Have you ever paused to wonder what becomes of our many noble equine veterans after a lifetime of loyal public service? The fact is that heroic horses that have served in the police and military receive no government support once they can no longer work and never have done.

At a time when budgets are stretched for the police and the military, our charity is fighting to continue to be the safety net for our equine heroes, the perfect place to retire to in their twilight years. In the last 15 years we have expanded to ensure that all suitable service equines can come to us to retire and are never turned away or have long waits, however, this comes at a greater financial cost.

Parker, Former Greater Manchester Police Horse

Parker was just one amazing example, a loyal equine civil servant who dedicated over half his life faithfully serving in the Greater

Manchester Police Mounted Branch. He was a fearless yet gentle horse, maintaining public order in threatening situations despite being one of the smallest in the unit. His unmatched strength and heart inspired so many. From the start of his career, it was obvious he was born to be a police horse and loved his job. Parker faced peril head on, preserving public order in moments of danger.

Beyond his strength, Parker had a special calmness that brought comfort to all those who knew him. He also brought joy to his community and colleagues, many of whom remembered his signature squeal and fondness for stealing fans’ chips at football matches, reminding us that Parker was just a horse like any other, as well as a hero.

When it was time for Parker to retire due to arthritis, we were honoured to be able to welcome him into our care. He settled straight into retired life at our Home of Rest. Here Parker found peace in the simple moments, rolling in the mud and grazing alongside his field companions. At the end of his life, we found comfort in the fact that he had received the dignity and kindness he had earned, in a natural environment, surrounded by the love and compassion of our expert team.

Helping Horses For 138 Years

For over 138 years, The Horse Trust has been privileged to care for horses like Parker, ensuring they live their final years in a natural, peaceful way with specialist care on hand. During World War I, The Home of Rest for Horses pioneered the creation of the first-ever motorised horse ambulance, saving thousands of war horses. After the tragic Hyde Park bombing, we were there to provide expert care and a loving home to Sefton, Echo and Yeti.

More recently, we were here for five military horses to provide essential respite after the bolting incident in Central London, and before that, a place of recovery for Urbane, the brave Metropolitan Police horse viciously mauled in a dog attack.

What It Takes

Our work has never wavered, but now more than ever, we are facing an uncertain future. Running our Home of Rest costs a staggering £134,000 every month and increases in the winter months even more.

Many of our equine veterans need more complex veterinary treatment and often, being much larger than most, require expensive feed and medicines. Without the support of compassionate individuals like you, we risk the landing place that countless service horses have depended on throughout history.

This Remembrance Weekend, let’s honour not only our human heroes, past and present, but also the heroic horses that protect our communities and serve as symbols of national pride in the military. Consider showing your appreciation by donating towards their retirement this winter.

Consider A Gift For Our Equine Civil Servants

Your gift, no matter the size, has a huge impact on their lives and will allow us to continue to be there for them. Like you, we believe it is our privilege to be able to repay these horses, who have given us all a life of service.

Please, help us secure their future and provide them with the happiness and well-earned retirement they deserve and respite when needed. The time to act is now; your generosity will ensure that The Horse Trust remains a lifeline for these remarkable horses for generations to come. It’s time for us to thank them.

Thank you for your incredible kindness and support.

Help Our Heroes