Household Cavalry horse Quaker retires after global spotlight.
Quaker arriving at The Horse Trust. Left to right Tropper Samad and Trooper Waghorn bring Quaker off the horse box.
Quaker at his new paddock at The Horse Trust, greeting his friend Marquis.
Quaker at his new paddock at The Horse Trust.
Quaker being taken to his paddocks by Trooper Waghorn.
Quaker at his new paddock at The Horse Trust.
Major Thomas Steward and Quaker.
Military Working Horse Quaker has begun his retirement at The Horse Trust sanctuary in Buckinghamshire, marking a new chapter after dramatic footage of him bolting injured through London's streets captured global attention in April 2024.
Quaker’s well-deserved retirement comes after a stellar career in the Armed Forces and after a high-profile bolting incident, which captured the nation’s attention.
The 15-year-old horse was one of five from the Life Guards Squadron startled by construction work during routine exercise. Following expert veterinary treatment and surgery, Quaker has made a remarkable recovery and will enjoy a well-earned and happy retirement.
Enhanced military animal welfare
The Horse Trust sanctuary has cared for service horses for 139 years, accommodating 3,430 horse turnout days last year. The charity now runs a pioneering respite scheme where military working horses take "short breaks and summer holidays", reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance military animal welfare.
Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for Veterans and People, said: "We have a commitment to all who serve our nation, including our much-loved service animals.
The partnership between the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The Horse Trust is a shining example of what can be achieved when tradition meets compassion.
“Quaker’s well-deserved retirement comes after a stellar career in the Armed Forces and after a high-profile bolting incident, which captured the nation’s attention.
“This partnership with The Horse Trust also shows how the Army looks after its military working horses and will improve animal welfare.”
Tradition meets compassion
Lieutenant Colonel Mathew Woodward, Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, said: "The partnership between the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The Horse Trust is a shining example of what can be achieved when tradition meets compassion.
“This respite initiative plays a crucial role in supporting long-term physical and psychological welfare, ensuring they return to duty refreshed and well-balanced.”
Our charity is committed to providing respite and retirement to horses who have served our nation and our communities and our close relationship with Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is one we are extremely proud of.
The Horse Trust is currently the permanent retirement home for 32 former military working horses, with this partnership demonstrating the Army's commitment to enhanced animal welfare through compassionate care for service animals.
Jeanette Allen, CEO, The Horse Trust said: “Our charity is committed to providing respite and retirement to horses who have served our nation and our communities and our close relationship with Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is one we are extremely proud of.”
Cavalry Horses return to duty for The King’s Birthday Parade
Cavalry Horses injured in London given respite care by The Horse Trust
