The streets of London were thrown into chaos as two military horses, spooked by construction noise, bolted and ran for miles through the city, tossing their riders in the process. The incident occurred during routine exercises near Buckingham Palace, disrupting the morning rush hour and causing concern among commuters.
Of the four horses that broke free, three were relatively unscathed and expected to return to duty. However, two horses suffered serious injuries and underwent operations. One of them, named Quaker, was transferred to an equine hospital for specialized care, while another, named Vida, was treated for lacerations after being seen galloping through the streets drenched in blood.
The dramatic scene, captured by stunned onlookers and shared widely on social media, included near misses with cyclists, motorcyclists, and vehicles. The loose horses, part of the Household Cavalry, which serves as the ceremonial guard of the monarch, ran through red lights, sideswiping vehicles, and causing damage along their route.
Despite the chaos, no serious injuries to the public were reported. The captured horses were safely returned to barracks in Hyde Park, and the incident prompted reflections on the rarity of such events given the regiment's daily training routines.
The horses had been training for an upcoming military parade when they were startled by construction noise, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such situations. Nevertheless, the Household Cavalry demonstrated their readiness for future events during an annual inspection, showcasing their commitment to ceremonial duties amidst the unexpected challenges encountered during their routine exercises.
