Scotland Yard chiefs loaned a police horse to phone-hacking suspect Rebekah Brooks, the force said today.
The former News International chief executive “fostered” the animal after it retired from active service.
She paid for food and vet bills until it was rehoused with a police officer in 2010 - months before fresh investigations into illegal activities at the News of the World.
Confirmation of the two-year loan comes amid ongoing scrutiny over the close relationship between police and the media giant.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said Ms Brooks, a riding enthusiast, was first given permission to take charge of the horse in 2008.
“When a police horse reaches the end of its working life, mounted branch officers find it a suitable retirement home,” he said. “Whilst responsibility for feeding the animal and paying vet bills passes to the person entrusted to its care at its new home, the horse remains the property of the Metropolitan Police Service.
“Retired police horses are not sold on and can be returned to the care of the MPS at any time.
“In 2008 a retired MPS horse was loaned to Rebekah Brooks. The horse was subsequently re-housed with a police officer in 2010.”
Ms Brooks (43), remains on bail after being questioned by detectives last summer on suspicion of phone hacking and corruption.
The keen rider is married to racehorse trainer Charlie Brooks.