On Friday, the Army announced that all Household Cavalry horses involved in the recent incident in London are expected to return to duty “in due course,” even those that were spooked and bolted during the chaos. Four people were taken to the hospital when the horses threw off their riders and some horses hit vehicles, such as a double-decker bus. Two of the five military horses underwent surgery are being closely observed. One is in an equine hospital while the other is being taken care of at the Cavalry’s barracks.
The horses, named Quaker and Vida, that underwent surgery were in a severe condition. The other three horses did not sustain any serious injuries and have been receiving proper care. An Army spokesperson said there is no update on the two injured soldiers who remain hospitalized after being thrown from the horses, and a third soldier has been discharged. The spokesperson did not provide any updates on a cyclist hospitalized in the incident as well.
The chaos occurred on Wednesday morning when horses of the Household Cavalry were being exercised ahead of the Major General’s Inspection on Thursday. The Army said the bolt happened when building material fell next to the soldiers, causing the horses to react. The horses involved had been scheduled to participate in the Major General’s Inspection, which went ahead as planned on Thursday morning in Hyde Park.
The Household Cavalry’s horses are trained by the Army for several months and ridden on the streets of London to get them accustomed to heavy traffic and loud noises, including gun salutes and military bands. The Cavalry performs ceremonial duties around Buckingham Palace. Two of the animals that bolted were eventually recovered in Limehouse in east London, which is over five miles or about 8km from where the incident took place
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