In the Spring of 2014, whilst out in France, I was introduced to the kindness of the Phillips family, who moved to France to set up their organisation, Brantôme Police Horses & Friends, which rescues retired British Police Horses, providing them with a post-service lifelong home.

Originating from England, Roland and Alison Phillips, moved out to the beautiful Dordogne, in the South West of France, in 2007 in order to set up their organisation. Their daughter Debbie, son-in-law Chris, and twin grandchildren Izzy and Chloe, later joined them in 2012, since adding two further additions to their family. Together, they run the organisation, which rescues UK Police horses, which have been retired due to old age, injury, or ill health. Without the possibility of re-homing, these beautiful animals would otherwise be destroyed.

The first horses originally came from Police forces in the UK and were retired to a small Horse and Pony Sanctuary, located in Devon, set up by Roland's mother (Sylvia) and father (Terry), which has operated since 1976 to this present day. Roland and Alison still run the Devon Sanctuary, with the help of great people, who dedicate their time and love of animals to this cause.

In their own words:

“Our first Police horses, Karen and Kendrick, both from the Metropolitan Police Force, came to us in 1993.  Sadly, they are no longer with us, but many more have been retired to us since. 

We started to re-locate the horses, with the approval of both forces, in 2010, to make room at the Devon sanctuary for neglected and rescue cases. We’ve reduced the numbers there, so that more concentration can be made on the care and rehabilitation of ponies and horses desperately in need.  It was possibly the best move we could ever have made - although admittedly, it was very challenging and un-nerving at the time, but the difference in the health of the animals since we moved them is incredible.  Horses that came to us with arthritis and some with breathing difficulties, are now so much better and others that arrived with stress related problems, are now much calmer and most show no signs of their original conditions.  We can only put that down to the weather and obviously the 24 hour/7 day a week care that they're able to receive here.

We believe that the Police horses are the last of the working horses, or it could even be said, the last of the war horses.  Whilst within the care of their respective Police forces, they have the best of everything; they are very well cared for and want for nothing.  However, when the time comes that they are no longer fit for service and cannot be ridden, or of an age where a comfortable retirement is needed, there are very few places that can afford, or even charities/sanctuary's that have room, to provide these magnificent animals with a secure and loving home for the rest of their days. We feel privileged to be able to do this with the help of supporters, volunteers and our own family.

However, these beautiful horses are exceptionally expensive to keep; not only is there the cost of their food and bedding, but also visits from the farrier every 6 - 8 weeks, checkups with the dentist and any required veterinary treatments . In total, it costs upwards of 50,000 euros to run the sanctuary each and every year, which is currently funded solely by donations, gratefully received from our visitors and Members of our Association.”

This non-profit organisation is supported solely through donations. If you’d like to donate, contact, or find further information on their work, you can find details on both their website and their Facebook page.