Ex police horse on the med after 'nasty fall' in Earls Colne

Twenty-three-year-old Biscuit - nickname ‘Biccy’ - started working with Essex Police in the early 2000s, when the force operated a mounted unit based at Roxwell, near Chelmsford.

Biscuit was assigned to rider Toni Pitt and they patrolled the streets of Essex, as well as policing football matches in Ipswich and Norwich.

Partners - Toni has been riding Biscuit since he was 5, and worked together patrolling the streets of Essex (Image: Toni Pitt)

The pair also attended several English Defence League demonstrations in Brighton.

When the unit disbanded, Biscuit went to Writtle College for a number of years before settling down with Toni, who he has lived with for the past eight years.

Toni said: “I’ve known him since he was five.

“We have been for hacks around the village occasionally, but he’s soon to be a fully retired gentleman.”

Sadly, Biscuit had a fall, when on a ride with Toni, last Friday (2 August) in Earls Colne.

“I don’t know how it happened," said Toni.

“He didn’t seem to stumble or trip, he literally fell to his knees and both of us face planted the road.

“He was unable to get up for 30 minutes – I was concerned he’d broken something."

Healing - RPH Biscuit is now on the mend following a 'nasty fall' in Earls Colne last week (Image: Toni Pitt)

Fortunately, Biscuit managed to get up just before Linkswood Equine Vets arrived.

He was treated at the scene for cuts and grazes.

Toni said: “The vets were super and someone had called the police due to Biscuit blocking the road,

“Once he’d been treated, they escorted him back to his paddock,

“The people around us were really kind, asking what they could do to help and offering water."

Essex Police have released a statement on behalf of Biscuit:

It said: "I wish to apologise for being the 'Centaur' of attention and sorry to my neighbours for any delays caused.

"I'm now stable and recovering well!"