The heart of London witnessed a chaotic scene on Wednesday morning as several horses from the prestigious Household Cavalry, the King's official bodyguard, broke free during a routine exercise. The British army swiftly responded to the incident, managing to recover the horses after they bolted through the city streets.
Video: Horses run amok in central London / Credit: Reuters
The dramatic event left a trail of injuries, with both people and horses receiving medical attention, although the exact details of their conditions remain undisclosed by the authorities. In an emailed statement to CNN, a spokesperson for the British Army confirmed the incident, saying, "A number of military working horses became loose during routine exercise this morning. All of the horses have now been recovered and returned to camp. A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention."
The London Ambulance Service reported that four individuals were transported to the hospital following the incident, according to PA Media news agency. The City of London Police, responsible for the financial district, took to social media to provide updates on the unfolding situation. "At around 8:40 a.m., we were called about horses that had became loose and were travelling through the City," they stated on X (formerly Twitter). "Our officers have contained two horses on the Highway near Limehouse. We're waiting for an Army horse box to collect the horses and transport them to veterinary care."
Nearby, the Westminster Police later confirmed that "all of the horses have been accounted for" and that they were "continuing to liaise with the Army." Startling footage circulating on social media captured the dramatic scenes, showing two horses – one appearing to be covered in blood – running through the Aldwych area in central London.
According to PA reports, the spooked horses caused significant damage, smashing the windows of a Mercedes taxi waiting outside the Clermont Hotel on Buckingham Palace Road and shattering the windscreen of a double-decker tour bus.
The Household Cavalry, based at Hyde Park barracks near Buckingham Palace, is responsible for ceremonial duties and serves as the King's official bodyguard. The incident has raised concerns about the safety measures in place during such exercises and the potential risks posed to both horses and the public.
