Horses seen running bloodied through the streets of London are making “remarkable progress”, with three set to take part in the King's Birthday Parade later this month.
The capital was shocked when the animals were seen running loose after rubble fell close to where the Life Guards of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) were on their daily morning exercises on April 24. Cavalry Black Trojan and Cavalry Grey Vida were seen stampeding through the capital’s streets in images broadcast worldwide. The animals were quickly caught and taken to vets for checks.
In an update this afternoon, the British Army revealed Vida, Quaker, Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish were continuing to make great progress - as are the injured soldiers. Lieutenant Colonel Mathew Woodward, Commanding Officer HCMR, said: "All five of the horses injured during the incident on 24th April are recovering with remarkable speed and it is very likely Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish will participate in the King's Birthday Parade later this month.
“The remaining two, Vida and Quaker, are enjoying a summer holiday in the Chilterns thanks to The Horse Trust. They are expected to make a full recovery and we look forward to seeing them back on duty in due course.
“Of the two most seriously injured soldiers, one is continuing his recovery at home and the other at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall. They are both considered likely to return to military service in the fullness of time.”
Inside WW1 military hospital abandoned for decades before new lease of lifeThree of the injured soldiers are back on duty and two are continuing to convalesce but are also expected to make a full return to service. In a statement, the Army and The Horse Trust said they were “overwhelmed” by the amount of public care and interest in the recovery of the soldiers and horses affected by the incident on 24th April.
It added: “On the same day Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish left the Chilterns to return to Hyde Park Barracks, Vida and Quaker – the two most severely injured horses – were pronounced fit to travel and arrived at The Horse Trust for their respite care, having been discharged from veterinary care in London.”
“Vida and Quaker have made a remarkable physical recovery and showed great enthusiasm and joy upon their arrival at The Horse Trust, galloping into fresh pastures. Vida, the Cavalry Grey, wasted no time in turning from white to brown as he rolled in the grass. The horses appeared bright and in good spirits, clearly displaying a close bond with each other and the soldiers who accompanied them.”
Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive Officer at The Horse Trust: "It has been a privilege to provide these wonderful horses with the space and time needed to fully recover. It’s been so lovely to see Trojan, Tennyson and Vanquish enjoying such a relaxing break and now we have Vida and Quaker already loving their time here.
“All five horses are much younger than our regular Service residents and seeing them running, rolling and generally having fun after such a challenging experience, is a real joy.”