Police Horse Heads Home

After serving the city of Toronto for 15 years, a Toronto Police horse has returned home in retirement.

Trooper, who retired this month, was welcomed home by the Lundy Family in Creemore, about an hour north of the city. The family gladly welcomed the opportunity to welcome home the 19-year-old Percheron/Hackney Cross they had originally sold to the Toronto Police Service in 2007.

As a young girl, breeder Glen Lundy’s granddaughter, Stephanie – now 25, took a particular liking to Trooper before he was sold to the Service. She returned to the Mounted Unit stables at the Horse Palace to be reacquainted with Trooper before he retired.

“Trooper’s life has now gone full circle as he is now back home to reunite with his sister,” said Training Sergeant Kristopher McCarthy. “He was always a kind horse and fearless as he got more seasoned on the job.”

Trooper took part in everything from a dozen Queen’s Plate Royal Escorts, including Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 2010 as well as countless demonstrations in a crowd control capacity.

In 2012, at the North American Police Equestrian Council competition, Trooper and rider Constable Gregg John won the William D. McCarthy Memorial Trophy awarded to the winner in the obstacles category and Trooper was honoured as the ‘Top Horse’ at the competition.

Trooper later became the first and only police horse ever to win all five NAPEC competition categories.

 “I was fortunate to have him for just under three years, which was an outstanding and enjoyable time for me,” said John, who spent 14 years with the Mounted Unit.