Merlin: The True Life Story of Britain's Most Heroic Police Horse

by Gordon Thorburn

This is the true story of an unusual hero. Tall, dark, and handsome, and often surrounded by an admiring crowd, this is no film star but an eight-year old bay gelding from the Mounted Branch of the Metropolitan Police. Horses such as Merlin go through a challenging training process to prepare them for life in the force. There are three stages of training; red, amber, and green. Reports from his early training show that Merlin was sometimes naughty and spirited—but once his training was complete he was disciplined enough to maintain order at some of the toughest and most high-profile events in London. This book looks at Merlin's daily life and duties, and his fascinating partnership with his mounted constable, Karen Howell. When Karen first met Merlin during his training it was love at first sight, and over the years she has developed an intriguing bond with this brave, eccentric, and deeply individual character.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2014