Two military horses in London were seriously injured and required operations after bolting and running through the streets of the city. The incident occurred during routine exercises near Buckingham Palace, causing chaos during the morning rush hour. The horses, part of the Household Cavalry, threw their riders and galloped loose through central London streets. Two of the horses, Vida and Trojan, were in serious condition and required operations, while three others were unharmed.
The incident was captured on social media, with footage showing the white horse Vida running down Aldwych covered in blood. The horses, including Quaker and Tennyson, caused disruption as they ran through busy areas of the city, with Quaker even bumping into a taxi. The horses were all eventually captured and taken back to the barracks in Hyde Park. The three soldiers thrown from the horses were hospitalized with injuries but were expected to recover fully.
The British Army, which trains with about 150 horses every day, described the incident as rare and unexpected. Defense Minister James Cartlidge stated that the horses’ conditions were being closely monitored, but they were still alive. Despite the seriousness of the situation, there were no reports of serious injuries to the public. The Household Cavalry, who serve as the ceremonial guard of the monarch and participate in state functions in London, will likely review their procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The horses’ behavior was attributed to being spooked by construction noise, causing them to bolt and run miles through the busy streets of central London. The incident caught the attention of many onlookers and sparked concern for the safety of both the horses and the public. The horses, which play a significant role in ceremonial events, are highly trained and typically well-behaved, making the incident even more surprising.
Cartlidge expressed regret over the incident but emphasized that the safety of the horses and the public was a top priority. The injured horses, Vida and Trojan, were transferred to an equine hospital for treatment, while the others were reported to be fine. The soldiers involved in the incident were expected to recover and return to duty following their hospitalization. The incident served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of working with animals and highlighted the need for thorough training and preparation to ensure the safety of both the animals and those around them.
