Military Horses in Central London

In a recent incident in central London, two military horses bolted and charged through the city, causing chaos in their wake. The horses, named Vida and Trojan, were part of a routine exercise in the Belgravia area when they were spooked by builders dropping rubble from a height near them. The animals ended up running through traffic, colliding with vehicles, including a taxi and a tour bus, as well as causing injuries to service personnel and pedestrians in the area.

Condition of the Horses

The Household Cavalry revealed that both Vida and Trojan are in a serious condition and have undergone operations. One of the horses has been taken to an equine hospital for further treatment, while the remaining horses are being closely monitored. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the Army assured the public that their horses receive the highest standards of care, and the ones that did not require surgery are expected to return to duty in the near future.

Response from Officials

Defence minister James Cartlidge provided an update on the situation, stating that while three of the five horses are fine, Vida and Trojan are in a relatively serious condition but still alive. He emphasized that the incident was a rare and exceptional event, highlighting that no serious injuries were reported among the public. The soldiers who were thrown from their horses during the chaos are expected to recover fully and return to duty.

An eyewitness described the chaotic scene of the horses running through central London, with one of the horses drenched in blood from the chest down. The witness recalled the horses galloping through traffic, causing shock and confusion among onlookers. Despite efforts from the police to recapture the animals, the situation remained tense and unsettling for those present in the area.

Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Woodward, addressed the incident in a video statement, explaining that the horses were spooked by the unexpected noise and shock of building materials being dropped near them. He reassured the public that such incidents are extremely rare, considering the daily exercise routines the unit follows to desensitize the horses to city noise. Moving forward, efforts will be made to minimize the risk of a similar incident occurring again.

Overall, the incident involving the military horses in central London serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of working with animals and the importance of maintaining a high standard of care and training for these noble creatures. It also highlights the dedication of the Army in ensuring the safety and well-being of both their soldiers and animals, even in the most challenging and unexpected circumstances.