Military horses spooked by London bus throw off soldiers and escape through streets

Military horses have been “swiftly and safely” recovered after bolting and escaping through the streets of London after being scared by a bus. In a fresh incident after a number of Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment horses bolted in a shocking incident in April, the latest escape happened while six horses from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment were carrying out a routine exercise with five soldiers on Monday morning (July 1).

The lead horse, which was being led and not ridden, bolted after being spooked by the London bus. Two riders were then unseated from their horses, and the animals also escaped.

They ran from Seville Street to South Eaton Place, where one horse was found. Two other horses continued to Vauxhall Bridge via Belgrave Road and were then apprehended.

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The Ministry of Defence confirmed all were collected and returned to Hyde Park Barracks by 9.55am. None of the three horses were involved in the previous bolting incident from April 24, the Ministry also said.

An Army spokesperson said: “We can confirm that whilst exercising this morning, three horses from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment became loose from their riders. They were swiftly and safely recovered. One horse received minor injuries, but no further treatment is required and there were no injuries to the soldiers involved.”

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