Horses from King's guard bolt through London again after breaking free

Three military horses bolted through central London this morning, in a chilling echo of a similar incident earlier this year.

Six horses from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment were conducting a routine exercise under the control of five soldiers when the lead animal, which was being led rather than ridden, was spooked by a London bus. Two two riders were unseated from their horses, who also became loose.

An Army spokesperson said: “We can confirm whilst exercising this morning, three horses from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment became loose from their riders. They were swiftly and safely recovered.

“One horse received minor injuries, but no further treatment is required. There were no injuries to the soldiers involved.”

Horses

The animals ran from Seville Street to South Eaton Place, where one of the horses was recovered. Two other animals were finally stopped at Vauxhall Bridge. The Ministry of Defence confirmed all were collected and returned to Hyde Park Barracks by 9.55am.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “We’re aware a number of horses were loose in central London and worked with the Army to locate them. We’re pleased to confirm all of the horses have been accounted for. We are continuing to liaise with the Army.”

The incident was similar to another incident earlier this year when seven loose horses were spotted racing down the streets of central London. Seven horses and six soldiers from the Household Cavalry were on an exercise in Belgravia when chaos erupted in April.

Horses

The powerful animals were scared when concrete was dropped by builders which landed next to them, causing four service personnel to be thrown from their steeds. Five of the animals got loose, smashing into vehicles and causing a number of injuries. They were seen running through busy areas of the city, one of them bloodied, before they were finally brought under control.

Military Working Horses Tennyson, Trojan and Vanquish later received emergency veterinary treatment for their injuries, before undergoing rehabilitation at Hyde Park Barracks. They then underwent a period of expert respite care in fields at equine charity The Horse Trust and appeared at the Trooping the Colour.

Captain Charles Carr-Smith, 1 Troop Leader, The Life Guards Squadron, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment said: “Military Working Horse Tennyson is the epitome of a Cavalry Black. Bold and brave as a war horse should be, yet a gentleman to ride and groom. Tennyson has returned to service without missing a step.

"His return has lifted the spirits of those in 1 Troop the Life Guards. Knowing that this brilliant horse will once again carry its rider carefully down the Mall or canter off, leaping over log piles in Melton Mowbray, is a comfort to our less experienced riders, who will undoubtedly scramble to put their names alongside his, for daily exercise. Due to so many well-wishers sending in mints, it goes without saying Tennyson has the freshest breath of any horse on parade."