RNC horse Townshend dies after 13 years in mounted unit

A veteran member of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary's mounted unit has died.

21-year old Townshend, a well-known horse around the streets of St. John's, died Thursday night. He was the oldest of all the RNC horses, and police said Friday his health had been deteriorating.

"Brutally sad," is how the RNC's media relations officer, Const. Geoff Higdon, described the news. "He was the boss [of the mounted unit]. He kept all of the other horses in line."

Townshend was born May 24, 1995 and was given to the RNC in 2003. He was ridden almost exclusively by Const. George Horan, described by the RNC as "a partner and a best friend."

Higdon said the horse was friendly and diplomatic, and a favourite with children.