We are extremely sad to announce the loss of our much loved Sponsorship Star, Saratoga.
A retired police horse, the 16.2hh chestnut warmblood was euthanased under veterinary advice due to a long-standing lameness issue, which had become unmanageable.
Saratoga was one of our Sponsorship Stars, which meant many of you made regular donations as his sponsors and followed his adventures with us through regular updates and information throughout the year.
A retired Metropolitan Police Horse, he had been with us for over six years.
A Bransby Horses spokesperson said: “We are absolutely heartbroken to have lost the wonderful Saratoga. When he came to our charity he had been retired on poor health, so it’s credit to all those who’ve looked after him that he had so many happy years with us.
“He came to us after a short career with the police as we were able to provide the specialist care he needed.
“Saratoga thoroughly enjoyed his retirement at Bransby Horses and we have many happy memories of him. It’s an honour for us as a charity to be able to offer these beautiful working horses retirement and we are forever grateful to our loyal supporters whose donations made this possible.”
Saratoga arrived at Bransby Horses in 2017.
He had been retired from the Metropolitan Mounted Police early due to multiple causes of lameness, with his hocks, stifles and back affected.
These included arthritis and an injury to his cruciate ligament.
Due to the supporter funded veterinary care he received at Bransby Horses he was given many additional years in comfortable retirement.
Sadly however, over the past few months Saratoga had shown signs of discomfort and pain, which despite treatment our vets were unable to manage.
Saratoga’s laid back and sweet nature made him a firm favourite with staff and visitors and he will be very much missed by everyone.
Bransby Horses now have just one retired police horse in their care – a 16.2hh, grey, gelding called Steele who has been a great companion for Saratoga over the years.
