The largest equine within the UK police force is set to hang up his saddle and give up work soon, after a lengthy and notable career combating crime through the country. Not merely has Titan regularly been observed trotting round the Thames Valley district, but he’s also policed some of the most significant events within the UK sporting calendar – like the FA Cup Final.
Titan is actually a Shire-cross horse and stands at a massive 18.3hh, as a result dwarfing the other horses that patrol the country next to him. Due to his sizing he was perfect for the job of riot control, helping keep back lines of raging football fans during several encounters.
Titan will probably be kept at the Horse Trust haven in Buckinghamshire and is being retired due to the effects of ringbone. This causes him to get regular lameness and so tends to make him unsuitable for the rigours often asked by police service. Fans of the gigantic beast have reason for optimism though – his retirement is just short-term and then the force will determine his situation after 6 months of resting under luxurious field shelters and eating more hay than he might ever imagine.
For Titan’s rider, it is a depressing circumstance to see him head out, since it may have a substantial impact on the Thames Valley Police’s mounted division. Not merely was he an excellent horse to have for active service, but he furthermore attracted lots of interest because of his proportions, so helping cement relations between the police force and the general public.
On a better note, this move does mean that Titan could get to reunite with some of his old operating buddies, who have previously transferred to the horse sanctuary after many years of service. Iceni and Dexte have been comfortably residing in and around horse stables right here for a number of years and may no doubt be delighted to find their gentle giant of a friend back in their day-to-day lives!
In spite of the loss of Titan, the police force will continue making use of their normal mounted patrols, that have been very effective at stopping crime in a great many locations.
