Quaker, one of the Household Cavalry horses who bolted through London after being spooked last year, has retired to The Horse Trust.
The Life Guards of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) were on their daily morning exercise ride in April 2024 when their horses were spooked by construction rubble being dropped through a plastic tunnel from a height close to them.
Five of the horses proceeded to bolt through London during rush hour, hitting several vehicles including a bus and causing a number of injuries.
Quaker required surgery after suffering bleeding and a small break during the incident and spent time recovering at The Horse Trust. Last week he returned to the Buckinghamshire sanctuary to enjoy his retirement.
New respite scheme
The Horse Trust is a horse charity and sanctuary which was established 139 years ago to provide retirement and respite for working horses and ponies. The charity has announced it is to expand a new respite programme to benefit more of London’s military working horses.
“We have a commitment to all who serve our nation, including our much-loved service animals,” said Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for Veterans and People.
“Quaker’s well-deserved retirement comes after a stellar career in the Armed Forces and after a high-profile bolting incident, which captured the nation’s attention.
“This partnership with The Horse Trust also shows how the Army looks after its military working horses and will improve animal welfare.”
The Horse Trust is currently the permanent retirement home for 32 former military working horses, 26 of which have served with HCMR.
The charity runs a pioneering respite scheme, where military working horses take “short breaks and summer holidays”. These breaks reflect ongoing efforts to enhance military animal welfare, helping with both performance and quality of life for horses.
“Our charity is committed to providing respite and retirement to horses who have served our nation and our communities and our close relationship with HCMR is one we are extremely proud of,” said Jeanette Allen, ceo at The Horse Trust.
Main image of Quaker with Major Tom Stewart, Life Guards squadron leader, and inset of Quaker grazing © The Horse Trust.
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