Inseparable police horses, Vincent and Ursula, are to spend the rest of their lives together
Loved-up Metropolitan Police horses will retire together after 30 years' service
6 May 2009
TWO inseparable horses are set to retire together after spending a total of 30 years in the police force.
Vincent, 22, and Ursula, 21, have been neighbours for 18 months and their attachment to one another was clear to staff at the Metropolitan Police's Mounted Branch Training Establishment at East Molesey, Surrey.
Not wanting to separate the two, staff arranged for them to be sent to the same farm in East Sussex. This was a special exception as horses are rarely retired to one location.
"Vincent and Ursula have served for over 30 years in total - that's a very long time in horse years"
Inspector Alan Hiscox, chief instructor at the Met's Mounted Branch, said: "Vincent and Ursula have served in the Metropolitan Police for over 30 years in total - that's a very long time in horse years.
"They have contributed to every aspect of policing in the Mounted Branch, from frontline patrols and ceremonial duties, right through to training our younger horses and new officers.
"I have had the honour of riding both Vincent and Ursula, they are very special horses.
"It has been very heartening to see them grow close and they deserve many long and happy years of retirement."
Vincent and Ursula have both had illustrious careers - between them they have served at football matches at Wembley and also at the Queen's Birthday Parade.
Recently they helped train new mounted officers and young horses.
The couple will now be ridden occasionally, go for walks and be looked after in their deserved retirement.
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