Beloved Household Cavalry horse, who made a remarkable recovery following high-profile bolting incident, retires from duty
Military working horse Quaker begins his retirement at The Horse Trust sanctuary in Buckinghamshire today, marking a new chapter after dramatic footage of him bolting injured through London’s streets captured global attention.
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The 15-year-old horse was one of five from the Life Guard’s Squadron that were startled by construction work during routine exercise in April 2024. Following expert veterinary treatment and surgery, Quaker is now returning to The Horse Trust to enjoy his retirement.
The Horse Trust sanctuary is located in Buckinghamshire and has cared for service horses for 139 years - accommodating 3,430 horse turnout days last year, including horses from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and The Met.
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Military working animals provide an invaluable service to our military personnel, including a long history in battle, and continuing through key ceremonial roles. The Army has a focus on military horse welfare, and the Horse Trust now 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.
Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for Veterans and People said:
The Horse Trust is currently the permanent retirement home for 32 former military working horses, 26 of which have served with HCMR.
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Lieutenant Colonel Matt Woodward, Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, said:
Jeanette Allen, CEO, The Horse Trust said: