Boz, a wonderful, long-serving police horse, who spent his retired 11 years with us has had to be put to sleep aged 30.
Irish Draught gelding, Boz, retired in 2009, and came into our care after serving with the Greater Manchester Police.
Boz was a safe and trusted mount loved by all who met and worked with him. One of his former mounts was Officer PC Emma Whittenbury who remembers Boz fondly.
Our Farm Manager, Rachel Jenkinson, a former Police Stable Manager with the City of London Police, says:
“He was a very special horse. Wherever he went, he made such an impression. Our teams at our Charity did a wonderful job caring for him. He was a gentle giant, and a favourite with all of them.
“He was good to do in all ways despite his size and was kind and gentle with staff, volunteers, children and all our visitors. He touched the hearts of so many.”
Boz had enjoyed a happy retirement at our Walklands Yard, under Team Leader Lucy Greaves. The gelding acted as a nanny to some of the thoroughbreds, and was the star of the Charity’s retired police horse parades at summer fairs.
Boz’s service history was significant. During his time with the force, the 17.2hh, served at football matches, including every Manchester Derby from 2001 until he left the force, the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the 2001 Oldham riots and every Manchester Pride event from 2001 until his retirement. He also took part in The Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2002 in the All The Queen’s Horses parade to mark Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee.
Lucy Greaves, Team Leader of Walklands Yard where Boz spent his final years says:
“We will miss Boz so much, but we’re happy in the knowledge that he had a long, happy retirement following his career.
“The team at Bransby celebrated Boz’s 30th Birthday this year, which is a significant achievement for a horse of his size. It’s a very sad loss for the teams here at Bransby Horses, as he was a particular yard favourite.
“I’d like to personally thank Philip Lord of GW Lord of Gainsborough, who put Boz to sleep with their usual professional and caring manner, and thanks also go to our amazing vets, Lara and Lauren, who always make such difficult decisions that bit easier to bear.”
The Greater Manchester’s High Sheriff’s Trust kindly donated the cost of Boz’s cremation, and the teams are planning to scatter Boz’s ashes at our Bransby site.
We’ll miss you Boz.
