Chaos Ensues as Household Cavalry Horses Bolt Through London's Streets

The horses of the Household Cavalry, often seen in royal ceremonies in the UK, have recently caused chaos as they tore through the streets of London.

The incident occurred during a routine exercise, resulting in several injuries and damage to vehicles and property.

The horses selected for the Household Cavalry are chosen based on their height (at least 168cm) and strength, as they are required to carry a soldier and equipment for extended periods. These horses undergo rigorous training for several months to acclimate them to the bustling streets of London, including exposure to heavy traffic and loud noises such as gun salutes and military bands. Each horse is typically assigned to a specific soldier.

The commotion began when noise from a nearby building site in Belgravia startled the horses, causing them to bolt and unseat their riders. The horses, which belong to the Household Cavalry, were preparing for an inspection ahead of rehearsals for the King's birthday parade scheduled for June. As they raced through central London, they collided with traffic at various locations, with some running as far as Limehouse in east London.

The aftermath of the incident left four people hospitalized and numerous vehicles damaged. Witnesses described scenes of "total mayhem," with horses racing through the streets and colliding with cars and buses. Two horses, still wearing saddles, were captured on camera galloping down Aldwych, followed closely by an unmarked police car.

One of the injured servicemen was found near Buckingham Palace Road, while another horse crashed into a taxi outside the Clermont Hotel, shattering windows and leaving blood stains. Emergency services rushed to the scene to attend to the injured and contain the situation.

Reports indicate that as many as seven horses from the Household Cavalry were involved in the incident. Some were spotted galloping past landmarks like Aldwych House in Holborn and Tower Bridge, causing pedestrians to flee in fear. Witnesses described seeing horses running with blood on their chests, indicating injuries sustained during the chaos.

City authorities and emergency services worked swiftly to contain the situation, with officers successfully capturing two runaway horses near Limehouse. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that all the horses had been "accounted for" and were being returned to camp. However, the incident raised concerns about the safety of both riders and pedestrians in central London.

While the horses have since been recovered, questions remain about the circumstances leading to their escape and the welfare of those involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of working with animals in urban environments and the need for stringent safety measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.