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Memorial for fallen police horses of the NSW Police Mounted Unit
December 12, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
A blessing event was held for a very special service animal memorial wall at the NSW Police Mounted Unit today.
The NSW Police Mounted Unit is the oldest continuous mounted law enforcement unit in the world.
The memorial wall blessed today recognises the Troop Horses who have served alongside the officers.
Senior police – alongside a police chaplain – attended the dedication and blessing at the unit’s Redfern complex.
The new memorial is part of a $1 million funding package to renovate the buildings and stables.
The Redfern complex has been in use by the Mounted Unit since 1907.
Insp Julian Griffiths, Commander of the Mounted Unit, addresses guests (image:NSWPF)
Troop Horse memorial wall
The service animal Memorial Wall currently recognises the 15 Troop Horses who have died in service.
Some of the horses honoured today worked with the police for 15 years.
15 horses are listed on the memorial currently; however, the wall will be updated to include the names of all the horses who have died while being operational at the Redfern complex.
Commander of the Dog and Mounted Units, Superintendent Julian Griffiths, said the new Wall will be a visible, physical reminder of these special horses.
“This demonstrates how much we respect and honour our Troop Horses,” he said.
“It’s (also) an acknowledgement of their importance to the sworn and unsworn officers of the Mounted Unit who work closely with the Troop Horses on a daily basis.
Inspector Sally-Ann Rodgers has a very special bond with the horses (image: NSWPF)
Two fallen police horses honoured during event
While today’s dedication and blessing was to honour all the horses who have died while operational, there were some very special moments recognising two horses the unit lost in recent years.
“Since the renovations began, we’ve lost two serving Troop Horses,” Supt Griffiths said during the event.
“Troop Horse Martin, a 13-year-old Bay Gelding Thoroughbred passed away on Monday 13 June 2022.
“On 8 February 2023, Troop Horse Hero, a seven-year-old Shire Cross also passed away.
Both Troop Horses served the NSW Police Force for two years prior to their death.
During the ceremony, Supt Griffith spoke about the unique relationship he witnesses between man and horse.
NSW Police Chaplain, Reverend Suzanne Avery, also spoke about Troop Horses Martin and Hero.
Reverend Avery highlighted the impact both their deaths had on the team.
“I often see the bond police officers have with their animal colleagues,” Reverend Avery said.
“The grief of losing both people and animals runs true and it runs deep.”
Following today’s blessing, guests were treated to a tour of the newly renovated stables, as well as a special show by the Troop Horses in the arena.
The Redfern complex currently houses 29 police horses (image: NSWPF)
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