More army horses running loose in London

The Times and other news outlets are reporting a new incident of army horses running loose through London. This event recalls the troubling incident approximately nine weeks ago when Household Cavalry horses, startled by loud construction work, galloped through central London, resulting in injuries to four people and significant harm to at least two horses, though they fully recovered. During that episode, the horses charged into a double-decker tour bus and a van.

In the latest occurrence, three army horses from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, supervised by five soldiers, bolted through central London. The incident began when one horse, which was being led, got spooked by a bus, causing two riders to be unseated and their horses to run loose.

The horses dashed from Seville Street to South Eaton Place, where one was captured. The remaining two continued to Vauxhall Bridge before being stopped. Soldiers were later seen soothing the horses amidst the traffic.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that all three horses were safely returned to Hyde Park Barracks, and none were involved in the previous incident nine weeks prior.

A spokesperson said:

Whilst exercising this morning, three horses from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment became loose from their riders. They were swiftly and safely recovered. One horse received minor injuries but no further treatment is required and there were no injuries to the soldiers.

Two of the horses were collected and placed into a horse box.

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins.

Allergic to horses? You might be allergic to cats too.

If you are allergic to cat dander, are you likely to be allergic to horse dander or the dander of other animals - or vice versa? Here are three answers from three different AI bots. Why not? If you can't beat 'em, join 'em is the motto. 

The point of this article is that if you are thinking of adopting a cat but are allergic to horses or other animals, you might check out if you are allergic to cats as well. There is a cross-over here.

I have found these AI bots reliable. You have to know their limitations. I expect those limitations to be greatly minimised over the forthcoming months and years.

Image: Canva.

Answers

Yes, there’s a possibility of cross-reactivity between cat and horse dander. People who are allergic to cats (or dogs) may also experience allergic symptoms when exposed to horses. The protein responsible for these allergies is called serum albumin, which is found in both horse skin cells (dander) and saliva. Symptoms can include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and even asthma. Fortunately, severe reactions are rare, but if you suspect a horse allergy, it’s essential to seek medical advice. 🐱🐴 - Bing's Copilot.

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There's a chance someone with a cat dander allergy could also be allergic to horse dander. This is because of something called cross-sensitivity [allergy uk].

Cat allergens are proteins (Fel D1) found in their saliva and skin flakes (dander). Horses have similar proteins in their dander and saliva that can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. These protein structures aren't identical, but close enough for someone's immune system to react if they're already sensitive to cats.

If you suspect you have allergies to cats or horses, it's important to see an allergist for proper testing and diagnosis. They can determine what you're allergic to and recommend the best course of treatment. - Google's Gemini.

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Yes, it is quite likely that someone allergic to cat dander would also be allergic to horse dander. Allergies to animal dander are often cross-reactive, meaning that if someone is allergic to one type of animal dander, they are more likely to also be allergic to the dander of other animals.

The proteins in the dander of different mammals can have similar molecular structures, which causes the immune system to recognize and react to them in a similar way. This is why people allergic to cats may also experience allergic reactions to other furry pets like dogs, horses, rabbits, and guinea pigs.

The degree of cross-reactivity can vary from person to person, but studies have shown significant overlap in allergies to different animal danders. So if you are allergic to cats, it would be wise to be evaluated for potential allergies to other animals as well, including horses. Consulting an allergist can help determine the full scope of your animal allergies. - Poe

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What is the allergen in horses?

The primary allergen in horses is equine serum albumin. This protein is found in horse skin cells (dander), saliva, and urine. When sensitive individuals come into contact with these substances, they may experience allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching, and respiratory symptoms. If you suspect a horse allergy, consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management. 🐴🤧

What other animals might cause similar allergies?

Other animals that can cause similar allergies include:

1. Dogs: Like cats, dogs produce dander and saliva proteins that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Breeds with hair (such as poodles) are often better tolerated than those with fur.

2. Rodents: Mice, rats, and guinea pigs can also produce allergens in their urine, saliva, and skin cells. People who handle these animals or live in close proximity may experience allergic symptoms.

3. Birds: Feathered friends like parrots, canaries, and pigeons can release feather dust and proteins that lead to allergies. Bird droppings can also be problematic.

4. Rabbits: Rabbit fur and dander can cause allergic reactions. Additionally, hay and straw used as bedding can be allergenic.

5. Hamsters and Gerbils: These small rodents can also trigger allergies due to their dander and urine proteins.

Remember that individual reactions vary, and some people may be more sensitive to certain animals than others. If you suspect an allergy, consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management. 🐶🐭🦜🐰

What can you do minimise an allergic reaction to cat or other animal allergens?

There are two main approaches to minimizing allergic reactions to cat or other animal allergens: reducing your exposure to the allergens and managing your symptoms with medication.

Reduce allergen exposure:

• Keep your pet out of certain areas: This is especially important for the bedroom, where you spend a lot of time breathing in allergens.
• Clean frequently: Vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove dander from carpets and furniture. Wash bedding and pet linens weekly in hot water. Consider replacing carpets with hard floors if possible.
• Bathe your pet regularly: This can help remove allergens from their fur.
• Air purifiers: HEPA air purifiers can help remove allergens from the air.

Manage allergy symptoms:

• Over-the-counter medications: Antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids can help reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy): This is a long-term treatment that can help reduce your sensitivity to allergens over time.

Consulting a doctor:

It's important to consult with a doctor or allergist to get a proper diagnosis and discuss the best course of treatment for your allergies. They can recommend specific medications and allergen reduction strategies.

What about desensitising the immune system to these allergens?

Desensitizing the immune system to allergens is exactly what allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, do! It's a long-term treatment option for allergies, including those to cats and other animals.

Here's how it works:

• Gradual exposure: You'll receive gradually increasing doses of the allergen (cat dander in this case) through injections or sublingual tablets (placed under the tongue).
• Retraining the immune system: Over time, with repeated exposure to small amounts, your body learns to tolerate the allergen and stops overreacting to it.
• Long-term benefits: Immunotherapy can provide long-term relief from allergy symptoms, lasting for several years after treatment is complete.

Here are some things to consider about immunotherapy for cat allergies:

• Effectiveness: It's not a quick fix and can take up to three to five years to see significant improvement.
• Commitment: It requires a long-term commitment to regular treatment schedules.
• Not for everyone: It might not be suitable for everyone with allergies, especially those with severe allergies or other health conditions.

Consulting an allergist:

If you're interested in exploring immunotherapy for your cat allergies, consult with a board-certified allergist. They can assess your individual situation, determine if you're a good candidate for immunotherapy, and develop a personalized treatment plan.

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins.

Are the cavalry horses that charged through London's streets, okay?

The story about seven cavalry horses escaping and charging through central London is reported across all the news media today. There are some unpleasant photographs of blood pouring down a gray horse. It looks quite shocking. The horses ran into traffic injuring themselves and damaging vehicles. It is fortunate that nobody was killed and the horses have survived.

Update 30th May 2024: "Two military horses seen galloping through the streets of London last month remain under full-time professional vet care and observation, the PA news agency understands." - PA.

This short report is about the health and welfare of the horses. An army spokesman said:

"The horses have been recovered and returned to camp. A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving medical attention."

The MoD said that one soldier had been responsible for two of the horses.

Update:

All I can say is that five horses have been recovered to the army - three of those are fine, but unfortunately two of those are in quite a serious condition and we'll be continuing to monitor them," James Cartlidge, the defence procurement minister, told LBC.

Further update:

The Times reports that 2 horses have undergone operations. A horse named Quaker has been transferred to an equine hospital. The army assured the public that their horse receive the highest standard of care. Note: I have just heard that they are kept in stables 24/7 except for one hour a day. If that is true it is not the highest standards of care.

The report is that the injury to the horses were caused by glass that had been broken from vehicles which the horses had run into. If that's the case then the injuries will not be severe it would seem to me.

One witness said: "One of the horses hit the Mercedes van and the rider was on, fell back on this little middle of the road, and the other woman lost control of her horse and she managed to grab the railings. The injured soldier was lying there on the ground. He looked like he hurt himself pretty bad. It was terrible."

The horses had been spooked "as they passed some building work and concrete fell from the roof". They were being ridden at the time by the soldiers. Four of the soldiers fell and three were injured. They were taken to hospital along with an injured civilian. It is believed that the injuries are not serious.

As I said, the horses are being assessed by a veterinarian and the indications are from the story although this needs to be confirmed that they have not been seriously harmed and will recover. I will try and update this page if and when it is possible.

P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins.

Gentle horse befriends tiny kitten

Kitten and horse relationship is gorgeous. Screenshot.

There is a size barrier here! But there is love all around. The kitten brushes against the horse's nose while the horse smells the kitten's scent. It is gorgeous and super-tender. Horses and cats go together like apple pie and custard. There are so many examples of cats befriending horses at stables that we have to conclude that it is commonplace. Interspecies relationships are good for animal welfare. It makes humans sit up and pay attention to the sentience of animals and when we remind ourselves of it, we treat them with more respect.

Cats and Horses

Photo by Erik Nygren (Flickr)

In general cats and horses get along fine and are often close friends. You'll see quite a lot of photographs on the internet that indicate a close friendship between cat and horse. Perhaps the most famous horse to befriend a cat was the Godolphin Arabian, one of three stallions that are the founders of today's thoroughbred horse racing bloodstock. The famous Godolphin Stables are named after the horse. Godolphin is perhaps the most famous racehorse of all time.

Godolphin befriended a cat. They became very close friends. The Godolphin Arabian died in 1753 aged 29. His best friend, the black cat, Grimalkin, sat on the horse's dead body until it was buried within the stable block at Wandlebury.

Immediately this famous stallion was buried Grimalkin reluctantly walked away and was not seen again until after her dead body was discovered in a hay loft. She probably never got over the loss of her best friend.

The famous English artist and painter of horses George Stubbs (1724-1806) painted the Godolphin Arabian with his cat companion:

Godolphin and friend. Painting in public domain.

In the painting the cat does not look particularly black but it may be that Stubbs painted the cat with reflections from the black fur. It looks like that.

A major reason why cats and horses have formed such strong bonds is because in the past cats lived in horse's stables. I am sure this still happens.

Another famous racehorse called "Foxhall" made close friends with two kittens, one a tabby and the other white. They lived in Foxhall's box. After the horses attendant whose name was Hatcher, had rubbed down his horse, he would place the kittens on the Foxhall's back where they would curl up and settle down.

In the King's stables in Windsor there was a cat who was accustomed to jumping onto and staying on his horse's back. The horse was happy with the arrangement and in order to not disturb his cat companion would fall asleep standing up.