Police horse Fairford named by pupils of local school in the Cotswolds

The newest recruit in our Mounted Unit has been named Police Horse Fairford as chosen by the pupils of a school in the Cotswolds.

Fairford was given his official name during an event at Paternoster SEN School in Cirencester on Wednesday 21 February which PCSO Adam Grimmett, PCSO Zaheer Bulbul and local Schoolbeat Officer PC Leah Davis attended.

Pupils at the school had been given the opportunity to name PH Fairford with the requirement that they chose the name of a place in the Cotswolds. They unanimously agreed with Fairford as they often attend the local Forest School in the town.

PH Fairford is a seven-year-old grey Percheron gelding horse who joined the force in September 2023. He came from a private home after his previous owners relocated to France.

As part of his progression PH Fairford has attended his first public order training day in Avon and Somerset Police and has advanced his patrols into some of the higher traffic areas. He is taking to life as a police horse extremely well.

PC Leah Davis from the Schoolbeat team said: "I recently chose Paternoster SEN School to be allowed to rename PH Prince to PH Fairford as the pupils are always happy, engaging and love the Police so it was an easy choice.

"Pupils from the Beech Class performed the naming ceremony magnificently with many of the pupils braving the weather to come and look at PH Fairford as well as a patrol vehicle.

"PH Fairford, who was originally known as Prince, is probably the friendliest horse in the stable and always has his head out of his door looking for attention from people on the yard. I’m sure he’s going to prove a real hit with the public and he has a real presence about him; he really seems to be enjoying becoming a police horse."

PH Fairford adds to the Constabulary's family of incredible animals who patrol the county, tackling the Constabulary and PCC priorities and providing a reassuring presence to our communities.