Army horses recovered safely after fresh bolting incident in central London

Three military horses have been recovered after bolting through central London, with one of them sustaining minor injuries after hitting a black cab.

The incident happened when six horses from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment were conducting a routine exercise under the control of five soldiers.

The lead horse, which was being led, became loose after being spooked by a London bus.

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This then led to two riders being unseated from their horses, who also became loose.

The animals bolted from Seville Street to South Eaton Place, where one horse was recovered.

Two horses continued to Vauxhall Bridge via Belgrave Road before being stopped.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed all were collected and returned to Hyde Park Barracks by 09:55.

Dashcam footage taken by a black cab driver shows one of the horses coming from the left and striking the vehicle with its right foreleg before running on.

The MOD said none of the three horses were involved in the previous bolting incident on 24 April.

In that incident, four soldiers were thrown from their mounts after five horses bolted.

The animals then collided with a number of vehicles, causing several injuries.

Although incidents like this may appear dramatic, it is not unusual for horses to become spooked.

Soldiers are trained to deal with loose horses, and on most occasions they get the situation under control within minutes.

An Army spokesperson said of the latest incident: "We can confirm that whilst exercising this morning, three horses from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment became loose from their riders.

"They were swiftly and safely recovered.

"One horse received minor injuries, but no further treatment is required and there were no injuries to the soldiers involved."

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police added: "We’re aware that a number of horses were loose in central London and worked with the Army to locate them.

"We're pleased to confirm that all of the horses have been accounted for. We are continuing to liaise with the Army."