'Ongoing stress' and 'overwhelming' London may be to blame for bolting horses
A recent spate of military horses bolting through London's streets may be attributed to the “ongoing stress” of their demanding roles and being in confined spaces, an equine expert has suggested.
In a dramatic scene on Monday, three horses from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) broke free and galloped through central London.
Shocking footage captured one of the animals colliding with a motorist. It's believed a passing bus startled one horse, triggering a chain reaction that unseated the other riders.
It comes after a similar event in April, when five horses from the same regiment bolted during an exercise in Belgravia. On that occasion, rubble falling through a plastic tunnel is thought to have spooked the animals.
Eyewitnesses were left aghast as the horses thundered through the capital, with one white horse visibly bloodied. Two of the animals were left in a serious condition, and several bystanders suffered injuries.
Justine Harrison, an expert in horse behaviour, said the capital's hustle and bustle might be proving too much for the noble steeds.
She told The Guardian: "London's sights and sounds will be overwhelming for them and no amount of training can fully prepare them for every situation they may encounter."
Ms Harrison said that bolting is an extreme fear response, and the herd mentality of horses means one spooked animal can set off a chain reaction.
The expert highlighted several factors that could contribute to such behaviour, including pain, harsh training methods or inadequate preparation.
She also pointed out that inexperienced handlers or riders could exacerbate the situation.
"Horses are all individuals and some may have a predisposition to be more reactive than others," Ms Harrison added.
"However, I would imagine the Household Cavalry would have a screening programme to ensure they select horses with the most reliable and calm temperaments."
