POLICE pensions may be under threat as forces around the country try to make cost-cutting measures.

But for one retiring member of Essex Police, a bale of hay and a handful of carrots was more than enough.

Hanging up her reins, Bella, who served on Essex's mounted police unit for two years, has retired after being savagely attacked by a dog while on patrol last year.

Sgt Chris Downes, who runs the mounted unit based at the police stables in Writtle, said: "Some horses are made to be police horses but Bella just didn't like it all. After her attack she got very stressed and had a number of joint problems. Retirement was the best option for her."

"Since she's been with me her personality has changed so much," added Bella's new foster mum, Georgina Weldge.

"I've got four horses and Bella is just spending her time being a horse, enjoying running around and building up her confidence.

"Because of the job she was in she had a lot of internal stress.

"Some horses can cope with it all very well, but Bella just didn't like the role and is much happier now. She's made best friends with a little male pony called Beasley and they just run around chasing each other."

After ten-year-old Bella was attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier on duty last January, she took a number of months off work to recover.

"Bella was quite shy and not that confident around people", added 27-year-old Miss Weldge, of Manningtree.

"I do a lot of natural horsemanship work with my animals which is about gentle coercion and psychology.

"Bella is on herbal medication for her stress and seems to be coming along really well.

"I've got four horses and have been riding since I was little.

"I'm going to start training with Bella soon so I can start riding her and hopefully we'll be able to do dressage competitions."

"Before any retired police horse goes to a new owner they are thoroughly checked and vetted," added Sgt Downes.

"Georgina will always be Bella's foster mum and never own her as she'll always be a member of Essex police."

"Bella has a number of health problems which could be quite costly, so any new owner has to be aware of that as well."

Georgina added: "My friend works for the Met police mounted unit and used to work for Essex police's mounted unit.

"She was Bella's first rider and told me she was going into retirement and when I saw a picture of her I just fell in love with her.

"She's a beautiful horse and has fitted in really well. She's making the most of all the space and absolutely loves eating haylage, it's her favourite food."