Quaker the injured British army horse retires after dramatic London incident

In the United Kingdom, on April 24, 2024, a shocking incident occurred involving five British Cavalry horses that were part of a daily morning exercise ride. The horses were spooked by the sound of construction rubble falling, leading them to break free from their trainers. This episode resulted in the horses galloping uncontrolled through the streets of London, causing panic among pedestrians and resulting in injuries to multiple individuals, including several people requiring medical attention and five soldiers injured during the chaos. The situation escalated as the frightened horses collided with parked taxis and a tour bus, moving through the capital for about five miles before being brought to a stop by police. Prominent media images captured the distressing scene, showcasing two of the horses bleeding as they raced away from their handlers. Among the group of horses involved was Quaker, a 15-year-old black horse who sustained a broken bone and serious bleeding during the incident. Due to these severe injuries, Quaker was never able to return to active duty. Major Thomas Stewart, in a post on social media, explained the difficulties Quaker faced, noting ongoing veterinary care was necessary and underscoring that the welfare of the horse was paramount. Consequently, it was determined that Quaker would be retired instead of returning to service in London. Following this decision, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that Quaker was relocated to The Horse Trust sanctuary located in rural Buckinghamshire, northwest of London. The remaining horses involved in the incident did not sustain injuries severe enough to prevent their return to duties with the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, which typically includes participation in parades and other ceremonial functions. This incident raised awareness of the importance of managing horses in stressful environments and highlighted the potential risks that can arise when animal behavior is unpredictably impacted by external stimuli.