This very British pampered police horse won’t start his shift until he has been served a giant mug of tea.
Jake has been with Merseyside Police force for the past 15 years and has picked up a love for sugary cuppa over his long career.
Having mischievously snatched a slurp of his rider’s brew one day, Jake fell in love with the hot drink and was soon asking for more from the comfort of his stable.
Human colleagues in the Merseyside Police Mounted Section now include Jake in their tea round – and now serve the cheeky 20-year-old a special breakfast in bed.
The chestnut brown horse has become such a fan of the drink that he is known to wait in his Liverpool bed for his special big mug to be brought to him.
Merseyside Police Mounted Section manager and trainer Lindsey Gaven explained: ‘Jake is one of 12 horses we’ve got at the stable working with us.
‘I’d definitely describe Jake as a horse with a lot of character.’
Jake likes his tea with skimmed milk, two heaped teaspoons of sugar and a little cold water, so it is not too hot.
Ms Gaven continued: ‘We’ve all learnt his tea order – he’ll deal with one sugar, but is definitely happier when you remember to give him two.
‘If you’re at the side of the stable and he sees you with a mug in your hand, you can guarantee he’ll trot on over to try and steal a slurp.’
When not gulping the nation’s favourite drink at the police stables in Allerton, Jake can be seen working hard across Merseyside and often polices football matches.
He has worked at Aintree Racecourse overseeing the annual Grand National numerous times during his time with the force.
At two decades old, Jake is set to retire from the role next year – though it is unclear if he is in line for a tea-based pension package.
