Spooked horses undergo 'life-saving surgery' after bolting through streets of London

Two of the spooked Household Cavalry horses that went on a six-mile rampage in central London have undergone life-saving surgery. They were both left in a “serious condition” after falling rubble saw them flee a “routine exercise” in Belgravia.

Four people were injured as four horses broke loose, including three soldiers who the Army said would "recover fully and return to duty". The injured horses, who were believed to have collided with vehicles, were named as Vida, who was pictured galloping through the capital soaked in blood, and Quaker.

Following operations, Vida was currently "under observation" at the Hyde Park Barracks and Quaker was moved to an equine hospital in the early hours for more specialist treatment, the Mirror reports. It was said to be "too early to know" whether the injured pair would return to official duties.

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A British Army spokesperson said: "We are hoping that both these horses make a recovery. Whether they will recover enough to return to official duties, it's too early to know for sure. But they've been given the best veterinary treatment possible and remain under close supervision.

"Vida was the most visibly injured, and the pictures of the horse running through London soaked in blood were horrifying. Vida was operated on overnight and is currently in stables at the Hyde Park Barracks under observation. Quaker was also operated on overnight but it was decided to move the horse to an equine hospital in the early hours for more specialist treatment.

"The extent of the injuries is not completely clear but we don't believe at this stage there are any broken bones. The blood seen on Vida (the grey horse) was consistent with lacerations."

Defence minister James Cartlidge said the unfortunate incident was "very exceptional". He added: “You are probably aware that the Army has horses out on exercise in central London every day of the week. It is about 150 horses on average exercising every day.

“So this is extremely unlikely, this scenario. Unfortunately, we have seen what has happened, but all I can say is the crucial thing, as you said yourself, no serious injuries to the public as far as we aware, and of course we will be keeping an eye on the situation.”