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New half term attraction as retired police horse, Imperial, meets new friends
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A new attraction will be on show this half term as animal welfare charity, HorseWorld is very pleased to welcome Police Horse Imperial to its popular Whitchurch Visitor Centre.
Imperial, who has dedicated 15 years to protecting the people of Avon and Somerset has recently hung up his Police bridle to enjoy a well earned retirement.
The handsome 19 year old bay gelding arrived at HorseWorld accompanied by his groom Natalie Simmons who was very sad to say goodbye to one of the force’s most reliable horses: “He has done the force proud for a decade and a half, ” she said.
Imperial’s name has strong links with the area he patrolled. In 1974, WD and HO Wills opened Europe’s largest cigarette manufacturing plant on land at Hartcliffe near Bristol. The Imperial tobacco factory lasted all of 16 years and closed in 1990 as the tobacco industry felt the squeeze. This site is now known as Imperial Retail Park..JPG)
“The very impressive Imperial will undoubtedly be a strong draw to our Visitor Centre this half term,” says Jerry Watkins, HorseWorld’s Director of Equine Welfare.
“Despite now focusing most of our resources on Welfare cases HorseWorld was originally set up in 1952 to take in retired working horses so we are delighted to welcome a hard working Police Horse like Imperial who has faithfully given service to the public for many years.”
Imperial is expected to be at the HorseWorld Visitor Centre from Saturday 11th February until Sunday 19th February and would love to meet lots of new friends.
Article By: Amy Williams
Date Published: 07/02/2012
