Vida Returns to The Household Cavalry

Vida’s journey began in April 2024, during an unfortunate incident on a routine morning exercise ride, when a sudden noise from construction debris spooked several horses. Photos of Vida covered in blood, galloping injured through London, quickly spread across national and international media. The HCMR’s superb veterinary team treated Vida’s medical needs, and he was then transferred to The Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire for respite care, where he recuperated in the tranquillity of the countryside.

At The Horse Trust, Vida was given the time and space to recover both physically and emotionally. The charity’s compassionate care team provided a safe, quiet environment where he could complete his recovery and unwind, often seen rolling happily in the mud – true to the reputation of a typical grey! Sharing a paddock with former service horses, including Royal Mews retiree, Storm, Vida spent his days playing with our older yet still spritely residents, and enjoying the lush pastures.

Nicola Housby Skeggs, Veterinary Director at The Horse Trust, said:

Seeing Vida go home is bittersweet: He has been an absolute superstar, winning the groom’s hearts (and treats). We are so pleased to see him make such a fantastic recovery. While he will be missed here, as a relative youngster, he is certainly now ready for some exercise!

Lotte, Senior Groom who cared for Vida at The Horse Trust said:

Vida is a very sweet boy who is quick to learn and eager to please. He is full of character and came over whinnying to us every time we went out. He absolutely loves attention, maybe even more than he likes rolling in the muddiest part of the field! We will miss him greatly, but we look forward to seeing him back out and about soon.

Jeanette Allen, CEO of The Horse Trust, said:

It’s been our honour to give Vida a place of respite and recovery. Vida has come to hold a particular place in our hearts, he’s been a joy to care for, partly as we don’t have to groom that muddy monster for parade! He’s had a lovely time, and we are extremely proud of him as he sets off back to his role in The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. The Horse Trust was founded 138 years ago as a charity to provide a place of respite for London’s working horses and now specialises in offering five-star respite and retirement to service horses from around the country. We know our founder, Ann Lindo, would have loved Vida, she had a very soft spot for greys! We’ll so miss having him around, but we all wish him every success in the rest of his service career.

Vida’s return to work highlights The Horse Trust’s and the wider community’s longstanding commitment to the health and wellbeing of service animals.

For 138 years, The Horse Trust has been there for the service horses that have played pivotal roles in our history – from the days of London’s cab horses to the brave horses injured in the Hyde Park Bombings, including Sefton, Echo, and Yeti. More recently, The Horse Trust supported Metropolitan Police Horse, Urbane, who is happily back on duty patrolling the streets of London. The charity’s expert care has enabled countless service animals to regain their strength and return to fulfilling, active roles.

The cavalry horses involved in the incident belong to the British Army and were receiving respite care at The Horse Trust as a place to unwind. Please direct any questions regarding the horses to them at: armyinlondon@gmail.com

If you would like to join the growing number of supporters helping The Horse Trust make a real difference to the lives of service horses who have loyally protected and served our communities, donations to their care can be made by visiting the link below.

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