The horses, spooked by construction noise, escaped during a routine drill, leading to chaos and injuries during London’s rush hour
In a startling incident that shook central London, two military horses underwent surgery after bolting through the streets, causing widespread alarm. The incident occurred near Buckingham Palace when the horses, part of a routine military exercise, were startled by loud construction noises.
Defence Minister James Cartlidge confirmed the condition of the injured horses during an interview with Sky News. “Three of them are fine, two of them are unfortunately in a relatively serious condition and obviously we will be monitoring that condition,” he stated, underscoring the severity of the situation. The injured horses, named Quaker and Vida, are currently receiving specialist care at an equine hospital.
The chaos unfolded on a busy morning when five horses, initially part of a group being trained, reacted violently to the unexpected noise. While one managed to remain contained, the others broke free, dashing through the streets and causing havoc. Three soldiers were thrown off their mounts and subsequently hospitalized, though they are expected to recover fully.
Vida, a white horse, became particularly notable due to distressing images of it covered in blood, which circulated on social media and news outlets. The horse sustained significant lacerations and was seen galloping alongside Trojan, a black horse, which also appeared in the shocking footage. At one point, Trojan collided with a taxi, causing further damage and narrowly avoiding a serious accident with a motorcyclist.
The incident drew a massive response from emergency services and bystanders alike, with many expressing concern for both the animals and public safety. The horses were eventually corralled approximately 8 kilometres from where they had originally bolted.
The British Army addressed the incident, emphasizing the rarity of such an event given the daily training of around 150 horses. “Unfortunately we have seen what has happened, but all I can say is the crucial thing … no serious injuries to the public as far as we are aware, and of course we will be keeping an eye on the situation,” Cartlidge added.
The day after the incident, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, to which the horses belong, participated in its annual inspection at Hyde Park. This event serves as a preparation for upcoming summer pageantry, including Trooping the Color and various state visits. The regiment demonstrated its readiness and discipline, a stark contrast to the previous day’s turmoil.
The incident highlights the challenges and unpredictabilities of handling animals in urban environments, especially during large-scale public events. The army has stated that it will review its protocols to prevent such incidents in the future
