MOST of us were horrified at the vision of NSW Police Troop Horse Tobruk being allegedly punched by a protester at the anti-lockdown protest in Sydney at the weekend.
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While Tobruk was rightfully the centre of attention after being allegedly punched by a 33-year-old Sydney man during the protest, spare a thought for his rider Senior Constable Patrick Condon, who was originally from the NSW South Coast.
Thankfully Tobruk wasn't seriously injured in the alleged incident and has recovered from his ordeal.
The NSW Mounted Police posted a photo on Facebook as he wound down in his stable after a long day.
"Our beautiful brave Tobruk safe and uninjured after his awful encounter today. Thank you again everyone for your words of support." the post read.
"All of our horses and officers are fine and no injuries were sustained. The 12 horses that were there were amazing and did us all proud. Thank you again for your support." another post stated.
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The 10-year-old thoroughbred has been with the mounted unit for three years and is named in honour of his former owner's grandfather, who served with the AIF in Libya in World War II at the Siege of Tobruk.
Tobruk performed brilliantly in Saturday's protest. He far exceeded my expectations of how well he would handle a large atmosphere and crowd like that.
- Senior Constable Patrick Condon
And he certainly showed the same amount of courage at the weekend.
Snr Const Condon said he got emotional while reflecting on the moment his beloved horse was struck.
"Tobruk performed brilliantly in Saturday's protest," Snr Const Condon said.
"He far exceeded my expectations of how well he would handle a large environment, atmosphere and crowd like that."
He said the community support since Saturday had been "brilliant."
"The support has been very encouraging," he said.
"I patrolled at Manly on Sunday, with another horse while Tobruk had a day off, and the support there was great.
"People were constantly coming up for the three hours we were there offering their support, saying they were horrified with what they saw in the media and just letting us know that the majority of the community are right behind us."
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And the support hasn't finished there, with Tobruk also being showered with gifts.
"People have been dropping off special gifts - carrots, apples and licorice, chocolates and even flowers," Snr Const Condon said.
"Just showing support for the mounted unit in general."
In another Facebook post the NSW Mounted Unit thanked everyone for their support, even posting photos of Tobruk's gifts.
"We cannot thank you all enough for the support shown to our horses and staff," the post said.
"Carrots, apples, liquorice, chocolate and bunches of flowers. Tobruk being extra spoilt by the yummy gifts today!!
"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."
Robert Crawford
Robert Crawford is a senior journalist at the South Coast Register, for Australian Community Media . Everyone's got a story, what's yours? Email robert.crawford@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Robert Crawford is a senior journalist at the South Coast Register, for Australian Community Media . Everyone's got a story, what's yours? Email robert.crawford@austcommunitymedia.com.au
