Army issues update on Household Cavalry horses who escaped in London

The Army has issued an update on the Household Cavalry horses who escaped in central London.

Soldiers and Household Cavalry horses injured after four of them bolted through central London are “making remarkable progress” in their recovery.

Five horses were spooked by the sound of building works during a routine exercise on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall on April 24.

An Army spokesman said the group included six soldiers and seven horses. Four soldiers were thrown from their saddles and five horses ran loose.

They were spotted near Buckingham Palace and Victoria Train Station, along the Strand 1.3 miles away, past Tower Bridge, and as far as Limehouse Link more than five miles away.

While running around London, some of the horses had collisions with buses, cars and e-bikes. Two of the horses – Quaker and Vida – underwent surgery following the incident.

In the latest update, an Army spokesperson said: “Healing can be a slow and unpredictable process, but the soldiers and horses injured… are making remarkable progress.

“They are receiving the best care possible and have our very best wishes – something we’re heartened to see is shared by millions of people around the country.”

Of the seven horses involved, two are back on duty and the other five are due to be sent to the countryside to convalesce as soon as their wounds are sufficiently healed to allow them to travel.

Three of the soldiers who were injured have returned to duty, one is recovering at home and one is still being treated in hospital.

Household Cavalry horses are trained by the Army for several months and ridden on the streets of London to get them used to heavy traffic and loud noises, including gun salutes and military bands.