Sunglass-wearing police horse Luna retires
Sunglass-wearing police horse Luna retires
A Retiring Star of the Force
Thames Valley Police has announced the retirement of Luna, a horse celebrated for her unique style of wearing custom sunglasses. This practice was necessary due to her condition, equine recurrent uveitis, which caused her to lose vision in one eye. After 13 years of service, Luna will now receive care from The Horse Trust.
Luna’s most memorable moment came at Royal Ascot, where she became a standout attraction with her “neigh-bands” crafted to protect her eyes from sunlight. The police force noted her unwavering dedication, even after being struck by a man during a football fan clash at Fratton Park in 2019, when Southampton defeated Portsmouth 4-0.
Her iconic goggles, which became a symbol of her career, will be donated to the Thames Valley Police museum. Sergeant Heidi Cornick, the leader of the Mounted Section, shared her sentiments: “She is an angel and my favorite horse in the yard. Each morning, I look forward to seeing her face peeking through the stable door. Her bravery, honesty, and remarkable career have made her a beloved figure, and we will miss her deeply. She’s truly the queen of the stables.”
Wearing her famously dubbed ‘neigh-bands,’ Luna has been a prominent presence at Royal Ascot, where she escorted the Royal Family daily, as well as numerous state visits, including the Queen’s funeral.
Despite undergoing implants, eye drops, and other protective treatments, the police force stated that her eye condition, present since birth, made the loss of vision inevitable. Prior to her retirement, the force noted that her eye was removed to allow her to experience the sun without discomfort, eliminating the need for sunglasses or masks. Thames Valley Police confirmed that the recent eye operation was ‘a complete success,’ and Luna is now in excellent health.
The Horse Trust, located in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, offers retirement and respite for police and military horses across the UK. This charity will provide Luna with a new chapter of care and comfort after her distinguished service.
