YESTERDAY (Monday) at An Garda Síochána’s Mounted Unit headquarters in the Phoenix Park, Horse Sport Ireland Chairman, Joe Walsh, officially presented Embarr to the Garda Commissioner, Martin Callinan. Embarr, a 4 year old Irish Draught gelding, is the newest recruit to the Garda Mounted Unit and will begin his career this year.

In 2010, Horse Sport Ireland agreed to sponsor the purchase of an Irish Draught horse for An Garda Síochána’s Mounted Unit. A screening day and extensive search was held last year. Earlier this year a suitable horse was found and he was required to undergo a six-week trial period at the Garda Mounted Unit in the Phoenix Park.

The 4 year old Irish Draught gelding that was selected by the Garda Mounted Unit is by Rockrimmon Silver Diamond (ID C1) out of Clogheen Cavehill Pride (RID), by Cork Arthur (ID C1). He was bred by Patrick Egan from Athlone, County Roscommon. As breeder of the horse, Patrick was invited to attend Monday’s ceremony.

In early June, Horse Sport Ireland and the Garda Mounted Unit ran a competition to find a name for the newest recruit. All of the Garda Mounted Unit horses’ names are derived from Irish mythological folklore and Horse Sport Ireland received almost 400 suggestions, with the winning name being Embarr as chosen by Deirdre Orme. Deirdre, from Mullingar, County Westmeath, is a design student at Athlone Institute of Technology. Together with her parents, she attended the official hand-over and had the chance to meet the horse who she named. The stable of each horse at the Unit bears a plaque with details of the horse. Embarr’s plaque, which will remain on permanent display until the horse retires, credits Deirdre for choosing his name.

Embarr in Irish mythology is Niamh's horse. Niamh is one of the Queens of Tir na nÓg. He can run across sea and land without touching the ground or water. This horse cannot be killed by man or god. Embarr of the Flowing Mane is also the name of Manannán Mac Lir's horse, the Celtic God fabled to live on the Isle of Man. (see Editor’s note for further details)

The Garda Mounted Unit commenced operational duty in May 1998 and, being a national resource, has provided a regular operational policing support to Gardai in every county. The most important characteristic in a police horse is a good temperament. The Garda Mounted Unit concentrates exclusively on the use of the Irish Draught horse as it has been its experience that it has the qualities most desirable in a police horse.

Speaking at Monday’s ceremony, Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan, said; “We are gathered here today to thank Horse Sport Ireland for the generous gift of this horse, Embarr, who is the newest member of the Garda Mounted Unit.”

“The name Embarr means ‘imagination’. I have no doubt that his imagination, not to mention his dedication to the role, will be welcomed by the other horses in performing their duties on behalf of An Garda Síochána. Embarr is the youngest horse to pass assessment for the Garda Mounted Unit. I wish him ever success in his career as a Garda Mount.”

Horse Sport Ireland Chairman, Joe Walsh, said; “I am delighted to be here today to present this horse, Embarr, to the Garda Mounted Unit. He is a fantastic example of an Irish Draught Horse and we wish him every success in his future career. The Garda Mounted Unit plays a very important role within An Garda Síochána and I feel Embarr will act as a fantastic ambassador for both the Garda Mounted Unit and the Irish horse.”

Deirdre Orme (winner of the competition to name the horse), Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan, Garda Lisa Halligan (Mounted Unit), Joe Walsh (Chairman of Horse Sport Ireland), Patrick Egan (breeder of Embarr), pictured at the hand-over of Embarr, sponsored by HSI to the Garda Mounted Unit, Phoenix Park, Dublin. Picture: David Maher