[Mike Matson]

Thank you for your service to the public Royal Sun. Photo of him at the link. Majestic.


http://m.thestar.com/news/gta/articl...nly-on-the-job


Excerpt:


Equal parts majestic and mild-mannered, commanding and calm, Royal was the perfect police horse, said Heard: gentle, kind and willing to please, but bold and capable.


Heard rode Royal off and on for 11 years, often choosing the nearly 900-kilogram animal over the unit’s two dozen other horses. Royal’s size, combined with his willingness to please, made him the best choice for tough jobs — including the G20 summit.


“I won’t lie to you; there were a few times there when I was uncomfortable, looking at the monster crowds and the anger that people had,” Heard said. “Having that boy under me, it gave me assurance. ‘I’m on Big Royal and, you know what, we’re going to get through this.’”


Dominating as he appeared, Royal was also the first to be trotted out for school tours to the unit, thanks to his calm demeanour.


Heard remembers a visit to the station by blind children. Royal let them touch his side and whiskers, even feel the breath coming out of his nose, and no one was afraid he would act out.


“He would just do what was asked of him — a fantastic servant for the city,” Heard said.

[Over the Hill]

God speed Royal.

[Sonesta]

RIP, Big Guy.

[FalseImpression]

Yep, very sad... those horses are stables at the CNE, same location where the Royal Winter Fair is taking place right now. I am sure many people stopped by the TPMU stables today!

I love the story about him opening the latch on his door and going for hay... and one time breaking the door and wearing it like a collar!! Silly boy.

RIP Royal Sun! Your riders will miss you!

[oliverreed]

What an amazing horse. Godspeed, Royal.

[Isabeau Z Solace]

If he was a NYC carriage horse the RARA folks would be screaming for blood. Sounds like the officers were grateful for such a good mount.

[trubandloki]

Godspeed Royal!

[laskiblue]

Sunny meadows and green grass to you, Royal.

[2DogsFarm]

Godspeed, Royal

I have a couple geldings you can police on the Other Side
Just a hint: Don't try bossing the TB.

[Noctis]

Godspeed Royal. Watch out for my Katie girl, she was a sucker for big handsome men.

[Lynnwood]

Rest easy Royal. Thank you for your service.

[Dare1]

We don;t seem to have very many of those up here. Thank goodness.
RIP Royal.

If he was a NYC carriage horse the RARA folks would be screaming for blood. Sounds like the officers were grateful for such a good mount.

[horsefaerie]

What a nice horse. I wonder what happened?

[dani0303]

Godspeed big boy. Royal was a fitting name, he sure had a regal look about him!

Horsefaerie- It said in the article he tore a ligament which caused a catastrophic fracture. He was rushed to the clinic where it was determined where euthanasia was the kindest option.

[Fred]

It is so sad to lose such a handsome lad. I'm sure he will be missed.