Army horse injured in London bolting incident enjoys a day at the seaside
Vida, a military working horse who was injured in a bolting incident in London last year, has been celebrating his return to good health with a dip in the sea.
The grey gelding was hurt when he and another five horses bolted through central London last April.
The horses, who were on an extended exercise with six soldiers from the Household Cavalry, had been spooked by builders moving rubble.
Captain Theo Merchant from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment said the incident had hit them hard.
"It was a really tough period for us as a regiment. And we appreciate a lot of what we do is in the public eye," he said.
"I think sometimes people don't appreciate the bond that we have with the horses as well."
After recovering from the ordeal, Vida, along with 15 other horses, has now been enjoying some sun, sea and sand on a well-earned break from a busy ceremonial season.
Capt Merchant said having Vida alongside the regiment to share the experience was very special.
"For all the troops here to see Vida and be able to ride Vida back out on the beach, and do what's a highlight event for us is really special.
"And we hope people appreciate the effort that's gone into getting them back out here."
The trip to Hayling Island in Hampshire is also useful training for the regiment.
The soldiers use the water and uneven ground to challenge the horses and help them build a deeper trust with their riders.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is currently deployed on its annual regimental training.
Throughout the week different divisions will be conducting their beach ride, with this day being the turn of 1 Division from the Life Guards Squadron.
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