Military horses injured galloping across London making progress, army says

The two military horses who sustained injuries after colliding with vehicles in London are making progress after surgery, the British army has said.

Quaker, a Cavalry black, and a grey horse called Vida were seen galloping through the streets of the capital after being frightened by builders moving rubble last Wednesday. The pair bolted while they were on an extended exercise in Belgravia with five other horses and six soldiers from the Household Cavalry.

Four service personnel were thrown from their horses and five of the animals got loose, colliding with vehicles including a double-decker bus, and causing a number of injuries.

The army said that Vida, who was seen covered in blood, “remains under close and careful professional veterinary observation”.

On Monday, it posted on social media that Quaker has “shown significant improvement and progresses towards what is expected to be a full recovery”.

The update posted to X said: “The other horse, Vida, a grey, continues to make progress. He remains under close and careful professional veterinary observation as his wounds heal.

“We are so thankful for everyone’s concern and expressions of support, and for all those involved in their care.”

The army spokesperson added: “Of the soldiers injured, two are still undergoing treatment in hospital but will make a full recovery.

“The remainder have returned to work.”

He added: “Healing takes time – please be patient as we support that process. The soldiers and horses are all receiving the very best of care.”

Ambulance crews treated four people in three separate incidents in Buckingham Palace Road, Belgrave Square and at the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street in the space of 10 minutes.

The incident began near Buckingham Palace Road where witnesses saw a serviceman thrown from his horse and one of the loose animals careered into a taxi waiting outside the Clermont Hotel, shattering its windows.

Two horses were then seen running in the road near Aldwych, one of which appeared to be covered in blood, which the army said was “consistent with lacerations”. The animals were later seen near the Limehouse Tunnel before they were recaptured by City of London police and taken away to be assessed by army vets.