Cavalry Horses injured in London given respite care

Three of the horses injured in the incident are now back on duty and, against all expectations, are looking likely to take part in the King’s Birthday Parade on 15th June. The remaining two are recuperating in the country but look set to return to work in due course. Three of the injured soldiers are back on duty and two are continuing to convalesce but are also expected to make a full return to service.

For the horses, this remarkable recovery is thanks in no small part to the excellent in-house care they’ve received from the Army’s own dedicated veterinary surgeons and the amazing specialist support provided by The Horse Trust.

The Life Guards of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) were on their daily morning exercise ride when their horses were spooked by construction rubble being dropped through a plastic tunnel from height close to them. Media images of two of the horses, Cavalry Black Trojan and Cavalry Grey Vida, running loose, covered in blood through the streets of London, were broadcast worldwide.

Immediately following the incident, all the injured soldiers and horses received expert emergency medical care. The horses were then put under constant supervision by the Army’s expert veterinary surgeons.

All five of the horses injured during the incident on 24th April are recovering with remarkable speed” – LIEUTENANT COLONEL MATHEW WOODWARD, THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY MOUNTED REGIMENT

Once MWHs Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish were well enough to travel they were sent for respite at The Horse Trust on 10th and 14th May. The benefits of this amazing organisation were soon realised, and after careful assessment the horses were found to be fit to return to London and were collected by HCMR soldiers on 29th May. All three are now back on duty.

The Horse Trust understands the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle for animals to prevent sickness and injury. Returning to work can help facilitate this lifestyle for the horses, ensuring they remain fit, healthy and enjoy long and fulfilling lives.

On the same day that Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish left the Chilterns to return to Hyde Park Barracks, Vida and Quaker – the two most severely injured horses – were pronounced fit to travel and arrived at The Horse Trust for their respite care, having been discharged from veterinary care in London.

Vida and Quaker have made a remarkable physical recovery and showed great enthusiasm and joy upon their arrival at The Horse Trust, galloping into fresh pastures. Vida, the Cavalry Grey, wasted no time in turning from white to brown as he rolled in the grass. The horses appeared bright and in good spirits, clearly displaying a close bond with each other and the soldiers who accompanied them.

The horses will remain with The Horse Trust for as long as they need before being assessed for their suitability to return to work. Onsite veterinary care is available 24/7 to provide any necessary treatment during their stay. The long-standing relationship between The Horse Trust and HCMR provides for the perfect support as the MWHs unwind and relax in the Chilterns.

It has been a privilege to provide these wonderful horses with the space and time needed to fully recover. – JEANETTE ALLEN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AT THE HORSE TRUST

The Horse Trust is proud to support the vital work of HCMR and the role of MWHs in our society. Whilst The Army has its own respite facilities, the Horse Trust is much closer to central London, reducing the journey time for the horses. As The Horse Trust has more grass than it needs for its older horses at this time of year, it is mutually beneficial for the horses to stay, and the facility offers a serene environment for relaxation, ensuring each horse receives personalised and attentive care.

Both the Army and The Horse Trust have been overwhelmed by the amount of public care and interest in the recovery of the soldiers and horses affected by the incident on 24th April and would like to thank everyone that expressed their concern and best wishes for a speedy recovery – they look to have been granted!

Jeanette Allen, Chief Executive Officer at The Horse Trust:

“It has been a privilege to provide these wonderful horses with the space and time needed to fully recover. It’s been so lovely to see Trojan, Tennyson and Vanquish enjoying such a relaxing break and now we have Vida and Quaker already loving their time here. All five horses are much younger than our regular Service residents and seeing them running, rolling and generally having fun after such a challenging experience, is a real joy.”

Lieutenant Colonel Mathew Woodward, Commanding Officer HCMR:

“All five of the horses injured during the incident on 24th April are recovering with remarkable speed and it is very likely that Trojan, Tennyson and Vanquish will participate in the King’s Birthday Parade later this month. The remaining two, Vida and Quaker, are enjoying a summer holiday in the Chilterns thanks to The Horse Trust. They are expected to make a full recovery and we look forward to seeing them back on duty in due course. Of the two most seriously injured soldiers, one is continuing his recovery at home and the other at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall. They are both considered likely to return to military service in the fullness of time.”

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