NSW Mounted Police Invited to Perform at Queen's Diamond Jubilee & Fallen Police Horse Honoured

The NSW Police Force is delighted to announce that its Mounted Unit has been invited to perform at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant later this year.

The announcement was made today during a ceremony in the community gardens on McElhone Street, Woolloomooloo, honouring NSW Mounted Police Unit.

The pageant, ‘The World Comes To Windsor’, will take place at Windsor Castle in May and will feature 500 horses from across the world to represent countries the Queen has visited on more than 250 State visits.

The horses will be accompanied by 800 human performers including riders, dancers and musicians from 16 countries, including Canada, India, Russia, Chile and Australia.

The public event will take place over three evenings and the Queen will attend the final show.

NSW Police Force Commissioner Andrew Scipione APM said the unit is well-deserving of international recognition.

“NSW mounted officers have been supporting and protecting the people of New South Wales for 187 years,” the Commissioner said.

“Their assistance and diligence in high visibility policing operations as well as ceremonial engagements and public events is why they are held in such high esteem by the community.

“Not only are they an efficient support unit in operational duties, they impose a spectacular sight on ceremonial and protocol engagements.

“I could not be more proud to see our Mounted Police Unit take centre stage at The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, especially during our 150^th Anniversary year,” said Commissioner Scipione.

The Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher said the NSW Mounted Police Unit has earned its place in history and in the heart of the community.

“The Mounted Unit has a proud and long history in NSW as one of the oldest Mounted Units in the world, and its place at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant is a testament to this history,” Mr Gallacher said.

“The NSW Mounted Police Unit is one of the most highly-regarded areas of policing and it will be an honour to see our horses on centre stage at Windsor Castle,” he said.

The Jubilee director and producer, Simon Brooks LVO OBE TD and Brigadier Melville Jameson CBE, were in Sydney in late last year to meet with the Mounted Unit and watch them perform.

They were delighted and enthralled at the unit’s performance of their musical ride at Equitana at Homebush on Saturday 12 November 2011.

Inspector Kirsten McFadden, NSW Mounted Police Commander, said it was an honour to be invited to perform at the Diamond Jubilee.

“The pageant will feature some of the world’s best equestrian performers and the NSW Mounted Police are privileged to be invited,” Inspector McFadden said.

“We are fortunate to be recognised for our contribution within the NSW Police Force and our dedication to the community. A lot of training, preparation and hard work goes into being a member of the team and attending major incidents and events.

“This is such a prestigious event and we are pleased to not only represent NSW Police Force and New South Wales, but also Australia.

“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we appreciate the support from our corporate sponsors Qantas and the Police Credit Union for helping us make the trip,” said Insp McFadden.

The Mounted Police Unit will present a spectacular Australiana ride for the Jubilee, choreographed with six traditional Aboriginal dancers, demonstrations by Maoris and Cook Island dancers to the music of the New Zealand Defence Force Band.

The unit will also have the privilege of riding the Queen’s Household Cavalry for the display.

The NSW Mounted Police were extended the invitation after their outstanding performances in the 2005 and 2010 Sydney productions of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which was broadcast worldwide and watched by hundreds of thousands of people.

They have also been involved in major events such as the 1988 Bicentenary celebrations, the annual Sydney Royal Easter Show, the Tamworth Music Festival, the NRL Football Grand Finals and the Olympic Torch Relay in 2000.

 

The plaque honouring fallen police horse, Star

Star died on duty in 2004

Fallen Police Horse, Star, Honoured...

Today’s announcement coincided with the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the service of police horse ‘Star’ who died while on duty eight years ago.

Inspector McFadden said the death of Star was a tragic loss for police and the community.

“Star gave us nearly eight years of wonderful service and his loss had a big impact on police and the community.

“He was a calm and gentle horse who quite literally was a star. He was such a big hit with the community and we will never forget the sacrifice he made.

“The loss of a police horse has such a big impact on all those involved with the Mounted Police Unit, from the officers who ride the horses to the stable hands and instructors involved in their training.

“You spend every day with the animals and they become part of the family,” said Inspector McFadden.

Star was foaled in 1988 and was bought by the NSW Police Force on 20 May 1996. Before his career in the NSW Police Force he was a thoroughbred race horse known as Coolah.

He served as a valuable member of the NSW Mounted Police Unit for nearly eight years, dying at the age of 16 following an incident at Woolloomooloo.

Just after 9pm on 13 February 2004 police were conducting patrols of the Woolloomooloo area on troop horses ‘Star’ and ‘Hero’ when the tragic incident occurred.

Troop horse Star was being ridden up a kerb on McElhone Street when one of his hind legs slipped on the gutter causing him to fall.

During the incident Star tried to re-gain his footing when his rear leg got caught in the grate of a drain and broke.

The male Senior Constable, who was riding Star, was thrown from the horse before he and his colleague came to his aid.

Sadly Star’s injuries were that serious that he had to be put down at the scene.

Tours of the Mounted Police Museum are conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am. Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting 02 9319 2154.