HERO POLICE HORSE PAYS LAST VISIT TO BUSHY PARK
A famous police horse has paid his last visit to Bushy Park following 15 years of award-winning service to the Mounted Section of the Metropolitan Police, it was revealed today.
The horse, called Livingstone, has been a regular visitor from his regular HQ at Imber Court, East Molesey to Bushy Park but will now retire to Wales with a new owner.
Livingstone was awarded a special PDSA award for his outstanding bravery and ‘exemplary performance’ in supporting police officers during the riots in London in the summer of 2011. He was awarded the PDSA Order of Merit.
Livingstone was a regular and popular sight in South East London and attended most high-profile events across the capital, including the annual Notting Hill Carnival and worked closely with now-retired Constable Jeff Cowling during the Tottenham riots, who said: “Livingstone is a gentle and trusting animal, full of honesty and great fun to ride.”
He was assigned to police hundreds of football matches and ceremonial events, even serving at the late Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral and the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
“It was a privilege to have Police Horse Livingstone part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations,” said a spokesperson for the Met Task Force.
“He is the last serving police horse of 10 awarded the PDSA Order of Merit for bravery during the 2011 London riots.”
The handsome gelding is now retiring to Wales, to enjoy a quieter life in his twilight years.
Livingstone started his training and his long and distinguished career in the mounted branch In July, 2008.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson told Teddington Town: “Livingstone, you’re relieved from duty, with our utmost thanks.”
