Police horse canters to a well-earned retirement

AFTER 17 years’ service with South Yorkshire Police, Hallam the police horse will move on to pastures new today.

During his years with the force, Hallam – who is set to spend his retirement in a Horse and Pony Protection Association centre – has had nine different riders and policed 690 football matches, as well as events such as the Euro 96 football tournament and the G8 conference in Sheffield in 2005.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: “Hallam has an unpredictable side, known amongst officers for his liking of wide-open spaces, unseating his rider and galloping into the distance, and for his moments of flatulence.

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“In more recent times Hallam’s workload has been reduced to reflect his advancing years, however his experience and nature have been invaluable in escorting new and inexperienced horses during their training, including riot and fire training and patrolling the county’s busiest roads.”