A tourist in the UK was bitten by a King’s Guard horse after she touched it while posing for a photo. The woman had placed her hand on the horse’s neck and smiled for the camera outside the Horse Guards Parade in Westminster, central London. Suddenly, the horse turned its neck and snapped at her torso.
She gasped in surprise, stumbling backward and almost falling. The incident, recorded on video, has gone viral.
A man who was taking the photo comforted her afterward, and the duo walked away as other visitors watched. Throughout the incident, the household cavalry soldier remained motionless and expressionless, adhering to protocol.
Reacting to the news, a user wrote, “How are there still people who don’t know you must not touch them or stand in their way?” Meanwhile, another commented, “The Royal Guard Horses do not like to be touched or petted. They like people to keep their distance. I believe there are even signs that say, ‘Do not get near or touch the horses.’ Given where on her body, the horse shoved her with its nose, she should be glad she was not bitten.”
In an unrelated incident, another tourist was recently bitten by a King’s Guard horse after she got too close. Video footage shared on social media showed the horse clamping down on the woman’s arm and refusing to let go as she yelled, “Ow! Ow, help me, he’s got my arm.” Another visitor then came to the lady’s aid and gently patted the horse on the nose to release her arm.
The King’s Guard in the United Kingdom is known for its ceremonial duties and distinctive uniforms. The mounted troops of the King’s Guard are part of the household cavalry, which comprises two regiments: The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals.