Edinburgh, formally Real Killowen and fondly known as Rocky, has stolen the hearts of all of us here at The Horse Trust. He truly is a lovely natured, well-mannered horse who absolutely adores the attention of his fellow horses and humans. Edinburgh is described by his former colleagues as having a super character, and being very easy to work with.

He began his police career with Lothian and Borders Police in October 2011 and transferred to Police Scotland in 2012 along with 3 other horses when the Mounted Branch sadly closed down. Edinburgh was the last horse remaining that transferred from Lothian and Borders Police.

Edinburgh can sometimes worry when he’s on his own, so his old team always made sure he had a horse companion by his side when he was on duty. That being said, Edinburgh was incredibly brave at work. He had a full and varied career as a police horse, attending all major football matches, concerts, marches and processions.

Perhaps most notably, he was recruited for the Mass Disorder at George Square in 2021, where violence broke out between fans celebrating the club’s title victory in Glasgow’s George Square, leading to a significant number of arrests after several police officers were seriously injured. Edinburgh and his colleagues remembered their training and stood strong and stoically amidst the violence, helping to disperse the crowds and keep everyone as safe as possible.

Other notable duties throughout Edinburgh’s long and noble career include Multiple Old Firm Fixtures and Edinburgh Derby Fixtures, Lanark Lanimers 2013, Scottish National 2013, Commonwealth Games 2014, Cop 26 and the Pitch Invasion at Hampden Park Rangers v Hibs 2016.

Although Edinburgh wasn’t usually a ‘first’ horse allocated to new riders in the department, he has had many allocated riders and also has been used in many Standard Equitation Courses, teaching new recruits the ropes (and how to sit a buck!)

We’re honoured to be able to give Edinburgh plenty of pats well done, and the peaceful retirement he very much deserves.