Pampered police horse Jake refuses to start his day without his morning cup of tea... with skim milk and two spoons of sugar
A British police horse is making the internet fawn all over him after it was revealed that he refuses to get up for work in the morning until he's served a nice, hot cup of tea.
Jake, a 20-year-old chestnut brown horse who works for the Merseyside Police Mounted Section in Liverpool, has been with the force for 15 years and is said to have developed his liking for the beverage after stealing a sip from his rider's brew, according to the Metro.
Now, he's reportedly so obsessed with getting his daily dose of tea, that he asks for a cup each day from the comfort of his stable in Allerton. So, to indulge him, officers with the mounted section make sure they reserve a serving each day just for him.
It's not something they do out of just the kindness of their hearts either. The cup of tea has become a habit to the point that Jake will not get up from his stable to perform his duties until he's had his fill each day.
"Jake is one of 12 horses we've got at the stable working with us," revealed Merseyside Police Mounted Section manager and trainer Lindsay Gaven. "I'd definitely describe Jake as a horse with a lot of character."
The horse doesn't have just some randomly put together tea either, he likes them only a certain way: it has to have skim milk, two heaped teaspoons of sugar, and a little cold water so that it's not too hot.
"We've all learned his tea order – he'll deal with one sugar, but is definitely happier when you remember to give him two," Gaven said. "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."
After he's had his tea, Jake works across Merseyside and often polices football matches. He has also worked at Aintree Racecourse and overseen the annual Grand National numerous times. He will be retiring from the force next year.