Quaker, a 15-year-old horse from the Life Guards Squadron, was one of five horses spooked by rubble dropped through a plastic tunnel during an exercise in Belgravia on 24 April 2024. Footage of the incident circulated widely as the animals bolted through central London, colliding with vehicles including a double-decker bus and injuring several people. Ambulance crews treated four individuals at three locations within about 10 minutes.

Quaker has undergone veterinary treatment and surgery and is now returning to The Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire for retirement. The sanctuary has cared for service horses for 139 years and logged 3,430 turnout days last year. It currently provides permanent retirement for 32 former military horses.

Minister for veterans and people Louise Sandher-Jones said there is a commitment to all who serve, including service animals, and that Quaker’s retirement follows a notable military career and the high-profile bolting incident. Lieutenant Colonel Mathew Woodard, commanding officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, described the partnership with The Horse Trust as a model of welfare, emphasising long-term physical and psychological support to help horses return to duty refreshed. Three of the bolted horses later took part in last year’s Trooping the Colour ceremony: Tennyson, Trojan and Vanquish. Vida and Quaker were more seriously injured and spent time recovering at the Horse Trust.