Escaped British Army Horses Cause Chaos in Central London

Incident Overview

On Wednesday morning, a group of British army horses escaped during an outing near Buckingham Palace, leading to a chaotic scene in central London. The horses, part of the Household Cavalry, were reportedly spooked by a falling piece of concrete, resulting in five horses galloping away and injuring four riders.

Condition of the Horses

According to Secretary of State for Defense James Cartlidge, speaking on Thursday, two of the five recovered horses, named Vida and Quaker, are in a serious condition. The other three horses are reported to be well. The condition of the injured riders is not life-threatening.

Public Reaction and Damage

Eyewitnesses described a dramatic scene as the horses ran wildly through the streets, overtaking cars, and colliding with taxis and buses. A taxi driver recounted a violent impact that left his vehicle damaged and stained with blood.

Military and Public Response

The incident has raised concerns about the use of horses in military parades and ceremonies. Animal protection groups have called for a reevaluation of this practice, citing concerns for the animals' well-being. Despite the rarity of such incidents, with daily training involving nearly 150 horses, the army assures that it is highly unlikely for such an event to occur again.

Future Precautions

The British army and the Household Cavalry are likely to review their protocols to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety of both the horses and the public.