Mystery over what spooked cavalry horses as clip shows one throw off rider

MYSTERY surrounds what spooked cavalry horses before their rampage in London yesterday – as a clip shows one throwing off a rider in a separate incident.

Five Household Cavalry horses bolted and ran six miles after fleeing a “routine exercise” in Belgravia on Wednesday morning.

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Four people were injured and two horses were said to be in a serious condition following the incident at around 8.20am.

It was claimed the animals had been spooked by builders dropping rubble from a great height close by.

However, new video was then posted to YouTube channel London City Walks – claiming to have been shot later the same day – in which a horse appears to bolt and throw a trooper to the ground at Horse Guards Parade.

The daily changeover ceremony takes place at 11am.

The man filming is heard saying moments before the incident: “The horses are having a bit of a dance show this morning, they’re not settling down as quick as they usually do.”

Seconds later, there is a commotion among the crowd as an unsettled black horse moves frantically.

Other horses are also seen tugging against their harnesses, and the first horse bucks, throwing the rider to the ground.

The man filming then says: “Oh a trooper has been thrown, oh good lord.”

The rider remains lying on their back.

The man adds: “What is going on with the horses today?”

The video also shows the riders trying to control their horses.

Police then step over to check the fallen trooper is okay, as he begins to move around.

A soldier runs into the courtyard in an effort to recapture the rogue horse, with a woman heard telling onlookers to stay still.

Once the other horses are moved back into formation they seem distressed, tossing their heads.

The crowd applauds as the fallen rider gets to their feet after being checked by a medic.

Meanwhile, yesterday morning, five rampaging Household Cavalry horses had to be retrieved with the help of police after leaving a trail of destruction.

The loose animals, wearing saddles and bridles, were seen running down the road near Aldwych.

FIVE HORSES

A spokesperson said the “routine” exercise had involved a group of seven horses and six soldiers in total, with four service personnel thrown to the ground in the commotion.

Five horses got loose, smashing into vehicles.

In an update, defence minister James Cartlidge told Sky News this morning: “There were five horses. They have all been recovered.

“Three of them are fine, two of them are unfortunately in a relatively serious condition.

“Obviously we will be monitoring that condition. They are in a serious condition, but as I understand, still alive.”

The minister said the two injured cavalry horses are named Vida and Quaker.

Mr Cartlidge went on to say it was an “exceptional” situation, explaining more than 150 animals are on exercise in the capital each day.

Asked about the condition of the two seriously injured horses by LBC, he said he “wouldn’t want to say more”.

He added: “Obviously, we didn’t want that situation to happen. What I would stress to you is that this is very exceptional.

“You are probably aware that the army has horses out on exercise in central London every day of the week. It is about 150 horses on average exercising every day.

“So this is extremely unlikely this scenario. Unfortunately we have seen what has happened, but all I can say is the crucial thing, as you said yourself, no serious injuries to the public as far as we aware, and of course we will be keeping an eye on the situation.”

The Army later said two horses involved had undergone operations.

OPERATIONS

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, the Army said one of those operated on had been taken to equine hospital.

Three soldiers who were injured would “recover fully and return to duty”, it added.

The statement said: “Of the seven horses which were spooked, five tried to bolt and four, Vida, Trojan, Quaker and Tennyson, broke loose.

“Two of the injured horses were operated on last night, with one transferred to an equine hospital. All remaining horses are being closely observed.

“Our horses receive the highest standards of care, and those that did not undergo surgery are expected to return to duty in due course.

“We want to thank everyone who has shown such kindness and concern towards our soldiers and horses. We will provide more updates soon.”

Pictures and videos of the horses were shared on social media, one of which showed a black 4×4 with blue lights following the animals.

Footage posted by users showed a saddled white horse covered in blood running through the street alongside a black one.

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 just 10 minutes.

It is understood that three soldiers were assessed in hospital for their injuries, which were not thought to be serious.

A City of London Police spokesperson also said yesterday: “At around 8.40am, we were called about horses that had became loose and were travelling through the City.

“Our officers have contained two horses on the Highway near Limehouse.

“We’re waiting for an Army horse box to collect the horses and transport them to veterinary care.”

The Sun has approached the Household Cavalry for comment.

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