Runaway horses set to join King's Birthday Parade

The runaway horses were filmed by a BBC cameraman covering the Post Office Inquiry

Three of the Household Cavalry horses that were injured after they bolted through central London are likely to take part in the King's Birthday Parade later this month.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said all five military horses injured on 24 April were continuing to make "remarkable progress".

"Three of the horses injured in the incident are now back on duty and, against all expectations, are looking likely to take part in the King's Birthday Parade on 15 June," an Army spokesperson said.

"The remaining two are recuperating in the country but look set to return to work in due course."

MOD Trojan with a soldierMOD
Trojan (pictured) is likely to take part in the parade along with Tennyson and Vanquish after recovering well from their injuries
MOD Quaker and Vida in a fieldMOD
Quaker and Vida are enjoying a "summer holiday" with the Horse Trust, the Army said

The MoD said three of the five soldiers who were injured in the incident were back on duty. One is recovering at home and the other at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall.

Lt Col Mathew Woodward, commanding officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, said: "All five of the horses injured during the incident on 24 April are recovering with remarkable speed and it is very likely that 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."

MOD Cavalry Black QuakerMOD
Quaker will remain with the Horse Trust for the time being

The MoD thanked the trust for its "amazing specialist support", adding that the charity's work and "excellent" care from the Army's veterinary surgeons were the reason for the horses' "remarkable recovery".

Jeanette Allen, CEO at the Horse Trust, said it "has been a privilege to provide these wonderful horses with the space and time needed to fully recover".

She added: "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."

MOD TennysonMOD
Tennyson has also recovered well, the Army said

The Life Guards of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment were on their daily morning exercise ride in Belgravia when their horses were spooked by construction rubble being dropped through a plastic tunnel from height.

Footage of Trojan and Vida running loose through the streets of London covered in blood was broadcast worldwide.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]

Related links