Lancashire Police horse heading for pastures new
Caton's been on duty for 16 years
A Lancashire Police horse is heading for a new life - as he begins his well earned retirement.
16 year old Caton has served his community tirelessly for 12 years, but some health problems now mean it is now time for him to head to pastures new.
Caton has been described by police as “bold and fearless”. He patrolled his first ever local football match back in October 2008 at the premier league game between Blackburn and Manchester United.
Since 2002, he's been assisting with policing the county's streets, helping to deal with anti-social behaviour and policing large public events, including the 2012 Olympics.
The Bay sports horse was named Karumba when he first joined the Police Service, but it was obvious he was a bright young horse who was quick to learn and he accepted everything that came his way throughout his training and career in a very positive manner.
He is undoubtedly going to be missed by the team at Lancashire but is assured of a warm welcome from former Lancashire Constabulary Mounted branch colleagues, Belthorn, Sawley and Silverdale who have already retired to the Trust’s Home of Rest.
Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive of The Horse Trust said “For over 130 years we have provided retirement and respite for the UK’s working horses and ponies. Nowadays that means the hard-working equine public servants have served our nation or their community in the Police, the Army or with a charity which uses horses to help people. Caton has worked hard for the people of Lancashire and we hope he can enjoy his retirement at our Home of Rest. It is clear from his career that Caton was one of the bravest of them all.