Trooping the Colour features three horses that bolted through London covered in blood
One of the five Household Cavalry horses injured after bolting through the streets of London in April took part in the King's Birthday Parade on Saturday.
Tennyson, described as being as “bold and brave as a war horse”, was in the rear rank of prestigious Soverign’s Escot, which lead the King down the Mall from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade.
It was the black steed’s first major parade since the incident. He was ridden by Corporal of Horse Harvey, the Life Guards Squadron Equitation Instructor and the most experienced rider in the division.
The gelding was one of five runaway horses injured after being spooked by noisy building works while on extended exercises in Belgravia in April.
Shocking images showed the animals covered in blood as they sustained wounds while on the six-mile dash through the city.
The steed's stablemates Trojan and Vanquish, who were also injured after throwing their riders, formed part of the ceremonial guard for the official entrance to the Royal Palaces.
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The two more seriously injured horses, Vida and Quaker, are still enjoying respite care at The Horse Trust.
Three of the five riders hurt in the incident have recovered and are back on duty, while the other two are expected to return in due course.
Captain Charles Carr-Smith, 1 Troop Leader, The Life Guards Squadron, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment said: “Military Working Horse Tennyson is the epitome of a Cavalry Black. Bold and brave as a war horse should be, yet a gentleman to ride and groom. Tennyson has returned to service without missing a step. His return has lifted the spirits of those in 1 Troop the Life Guards.”
Animal rights group Peta had written to the Army ahead of Trooping urging them to withdraw the horses and retire them permanently.
