Behind the badge - Randwick the Troop horse

RANDWICK

Rank: Troop horse

Age: 21

Graduated: 2001

Work Unit: Mounted Branch

Why did you join Victoria Police?

I was born to it! My mother was a brood mare owned by the Victoria Police stud, back when we still had a horse breeding program.

It ended in 2006, with horses now being either purchased or donated to Victoria Police.

Only about 10 to 15 per cent of the horses bred actually made it to the frontline, with the others going on to careers as dressage or show horses or show jumpers.

I have some younger half-brothers (Trooper and Xavier) and a half-sister (Unity) who are also troop horses, so I guess you could say I definitely come from a policing family.

What sort of work do troop horses do and what do you enjoy most about your job?

Our duties include taking part in search and rescue operations, performing crowd control at protests and rallies and doing general patrols, which includes attending events such as the cricket and soccer. (I really don’t like those flares and don’t even get me started on doof-doof music!)

My favourite task is crowd control – I love meeting people and it’s a great way to get up close and personal with the community.

At 21, you’re considered an elder statesmen of the Mounted Branch – what advice do you give to the younger troop horses?

For police horses it’s all about being calm and professional. Leave the high jinks for when you’re in the paddock.

When we’re out and about if I feel one of them getting a bit restless usually a stern look from me brings them back into line.

If not, a quick nip can remind them who’s in charge.

Tell us about the relationship between troop horses and police officers.

Sergeant Amanda Crowley (pictured) and I have been working as a team for about three years, so we share a special bond.

I always look forward to seeing her and finding out what the day has in store for us.

If Sgt Crowley is rostered off and I’m needed to attend a protest I’m always up for the challenge and very happy to work with any of the other police – I’m a bit of a favourite as I’m pretty easy going.

We’re a team, so we all pitch in.

What was your most memorable day on the job?

In 2006, I was ridden by dual Gold Medal Olympian Gillian Rolton during the Queen’s Baton Relay through Melbourne in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games.

I was chosen because I was grey, just like Peppermint Grove, the horse she rode in the Olympics.

The organisers needed to know that the chosen horse would be reliable and cope with the big crowds – and, of course, I love a crowd.

Have you had any embarrassing moments, or days you would rather forget?

Well … it was actually during my training years, and my memory of it isn’t crystal clear.

Let’s just say I got a bit of a fright, and flipped over and hurt my head. I now have a constant reminder because my forelock (that's what we horses call a fringe) has never grown back. In any case, I haven’t tried that manoeuvre again!

What do you do in your spare time?

I hang out with my buddy, Cooper, in our paddock.

One of my favourite things is to have a really good roll – dust or mud, I love them both (although Sgt Crowley doesn’t seem to feel the same … I’m not sure why).

Editorial: Nadine Lyford

Photography: Yuri Kouzmin