Two Household Cavalry horses that bolted in London are in a ‘serious condition’

On Wednesday five Household Cavalry horses where spooked by building works and bolted, two of which that were seen galloping through central London are in a “serious condition.”

The Household Cavalry who are highly trained soldiers as well as their horses were taking part in a “routine exercise” in the Belgravia area, they were spooked as builders dropped rubble from a height “right next to them.”

The Army said on X that one of the horses underwent an operation and is at an equine hospital and the other horses are being observed.

The statement added, “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.”

Defence minister James Cartlidge told Sky News, “There were five horses. They have all been recovered.

“Three of them are fine, two of them are unfortunately in a relatively serious condition and obviously we will be monitoring that condition.”

He added: “They are in a serious condition, but as I understand, still alive.”

Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Matt Woodward said on X that the horses were in “shock” as the building materials were dropped which caused the horses to bolt.

He added: “Thankfully, considering the frequency of exercise and numbers of horses involved, this type of incident is extremely rare, we continue to strive to minimise the risk of this recurring.

“As ever we are grateful for due consideration given by the members of the public to not making loud noises around our horses.”