After five months of respite care at the Horse Trust, Vida, the cavalry grey gelding who galloped loose through London covered in blood after being spooked on morning exercise, has gone home to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR).
On 24 April, five military horses were spooked by noise from a construction site near Buckingham Palace and bolted for several miles through London during rush hour. The horses hit several vehicles including a bus and caused a number of injuries.
Once he had been caught, Vida received immediate veterinary care from the HCMR team before being transferred to The Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire to rest and recuperate.
The Horse Trust is a horse charity and sanctuary which was established 138 years ago to provide retirement and respite for working horses and ponies.
“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,” said Nicola Housby Skeggs, veterinary director at The Horse Trust.
Mudbaths
During his time at The Horse Trust, Vida shared a paddock with former service horses, played with some of its residents and enjoyed a few rolls in the mud.
“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,” said Jeanette Allen, CEO of The Horse Trust.
The other horses involved in the incident – Trojan, Tennyson, Quaker and Vanquish – were also cared for by The Horse Trust. Quaker remains in their care as he continues to recover while the other three have already returned to service with the Household Cavalry.
