Unfortunate News for Equestrian World: 20-Year-Old Horse Who Served the Royal Family Euthanized

Euthanizing an animal is a heartbreaking end to a life. Recently, the equestrian world received the saddening news that a 20-year-old retired household cavalry mare named Luna was put down. After her retirement, the lameness had stayed with a Horse Trust. Luna had developed a hoof abscess, the infection from which was gradually spreading to the other parts of her body. It was because of this reason that the horse who served the Royals in the past was put down.

The spokesperson of the Horse Trust broke the saddening news. In his announcement, he shed light on her career, and retirement leading up to her end. So, who was this “beautiful” horse?

Who was Luna? What happened to her?

Loved for her “fun and feisty streak,” Luna was on The late Queen’s Life Guard duties during her career. She assisted on multiple occasions such as the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2011. After serving for nine years in the Household Cavalry, Luna retired in 2019. Talking about the mare, the spokesperson of the Horse Trust wrote, “She had a true zest for life and was much loved for her fun and feisty streak which always kept the grooms on their toes.”

The Trust Team was devastated when the mare contracted the disease. Despite receiving medical attention, Luna suffered from severe pain due to the infection. Shedding light on her treatment, the spokesperson revealed the infection couldn’t be contained even after intensive veterinary treatment. Looking at the painful state of the lameness, the team took one of the most difficult decisions.

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“It was then that the team had to make the extremely difficult decision that morning to say goodbye to our dear friend in the safety and loving care of the equine care team,” the spokesperson revealed. Despite the saddening demise, he claims Luna had a comfortable and happy life after retirement.

Luna’s post-retirement days

After joining the Horse Trust post-retirement, she made new friends with her cheerful attitude. The spokesperson revealed that during this time the horse had formed a sweet bond with Orla. Just like Luna, Orla was a retired mare but unlike Luna, Orla served with the Metropolitan Police. The two retired buddies brought out each other’s “cheeky side” and were almost inseparable.

Every morning, the two were known for going out for an early sprint, to make sure they were first in line for breakfast. The spokesperson bid his goodbye to the horse, too, in his announcement. He claims that Luna was a beautiful spirit who’ll be missed dearly by everyone. Furthermore, he thanked Luna for her dedicated service throughout her career.

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Though the team is devastated by the loss, they are at peace knowing that the once cheerful horse is no longer in pain.