A HORSE from Thames Valley Police’s mounted section who has helped protect the Queen and was caught in a clash between the English Defense League and anti-fascist protesters, has been named as a finalist in the RSPCA and Daily Mirror’s Animal Hero Awards 2014.

Albert, who is 17 and due to retire to the Horse Trust in Speen in the next couple of years, has also helped police football matches and other VIP visits during his 10-year career with the force.

One example of Albert's conduct came during a 2012 incident in which he led an eight-horse team from Thames Valley Police's mounted section into a fray between members of the English Defence League and anti-fascist protesters. Smoke bombs, metal railings and glass bottles were hurled across the police line and towards each other by both groups.

As the mounted section tried to push the two groups apart, the horses became surrounded and protestors started to pull at the reins, push the animals and attempt to pull the officers off their saddles, all while bottles were raining down.

Despite this, police said, Albert remained calm and used his body weight to push the protestors away.

PC Kevin Simmons, from the mounted section, said: "We all got surrounded. People were grabbing us and bottles were bouncing off our helmets.

"It was one of the most extreme situations I have been in. The commendations afterwards stated that we were subjected to unprecedented levels of violence.

"I am not one to be scared easily, but that was a scary day.

"But through the good bond that we have with our horses and our trust for each other, we both looked after each other. All the horses, and especially Albert, did a great job.

"The commander said afterwards that if it was not for the horses they would have really struggled to reach their operational goals."

Albert received the Chief Constable’s Commendation for his bravery during the EDL march, which took place in Brighton in April 2012.

The Irish draught cross, who is currently the longest-serving horse in the Force, has also worked at football matches – including in Southampton, Reading, Brighton and Portsmouth – anti-war, May Day and Gay Pride events, and during searches around the lake before the Olympic Games rowing events.

He has also worked to protect the Queen and other members of the Royal Family – including at the Royal Ascott – and VIP visitors to the UK, including leaders from Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar.

The winner will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony, hosted by TV presenter Amanda Holden, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London today, November 26.

PC Simmons added: "He’s a really good horse.

"He is one of those horses where he will see something once, realise it is not scary and then will not jump when he sees it again.

"But he can get a bit grumpy now and again, especially with drunk people waving their hands in his face all night.

"We are all ecstatic that he has been named as a finalist, and it is a real honour to have one of the horses recognised for the work that they do for us.

"I think he will be getting extra carrots and apples if he wins – but he will anyway for making the finalists."