Rest In Peace, Sawley

We are saddened to bring you the news of the passing of another member of our cherished herd, former Lancashire Police Horse, Sawley.

Standing at 16.2hh, Sawley was a striking presence and although he had to be tough to get the job done, in his down time he was a sweet spirit who made plenty of friends, both human and horse alike in his retirement here at The Horse Trust and out on the beat as a police horse.

Known as Star in a Storm on his passport, Sawley certainly lived up to this name during his career with Lancashire Mounted Police not only partaking in local patrols and public order work at football matches but also helping out other constabularies further afield, having attended Old Trafford, Anti-Fracking and EDL marches and even policing Appleby Horse Fair in 2010. During ceremonial events, such as the remembrance parade, Sawley would be in the lead and he attended the switch on of the Blackpool illuminations on several occasions. With not one but two claims to fame, Sawley made an appearance on Crimewatch and also won the Blue Light Horse of the Year back in 2010. Known as a ‘superstar’ who had a fantastic policing career where he served tremendously, Sawley was like a father figure to the younger recruits. Unfortunately, an ongoing lameness issue meant that Sawley was ready to retire after 16 years’ service and he made his way to the grassy pasture here at The Horse Trust to live out the rest of his days in comfort.

Sawley settled well into retired life and quickly made firm friends, particularly with Stanley, a little grey horse formerly of Gaddesden Place RDA and the two were always seen together grazing in the field, perhaps bonding due to their placid characters. Sadly after several years of peaceful retirement here with us, Sawley ruptured a tendon and due to the pain he was suffering, it was decided to say goodnight to sweet Sawley for the final time.

We thank Sawley for his dedicated service and are glad that we were able to give him such a restful and caring retirement here at our Home of Rest for Horses. Whilst his loss will be greatly felt by us all, we know that he will bravely trot across the rainbow bridge to be free of pain forever more.