Horses used in royal wedding were in 'obvious discomfort', says vet

'Time for the royal horse brigade to get with the times and put animal welfare and respect before blind tradition,' says veterinary surgeon Michael Fox

A veterinary surgeon has claimed horses used in the royal wedding were in “obvious oral discomfort”, in an open letter published by the British Veterinary Association’s journal.

Michael Fox, a US-based vet, said the wedding between Harry and Meghan was “marred” due to the use of “bits in the horses’ mouths”.

In the letter, which was published in Veterinary Record, he wrote: “Several horses were tossing their heads, mouthing and chomping and drooling in obvious oral discomfort.”

Mr Fox added that a “British veterinary colleague has long established the inhumanity of the ‘snaffle-bit’ and has developed a widely used bitless bridle for horses”.

After leaving St George’s Chapel last Saturday, Meghan and Harry rode in a carriage being pulled by four horses as crowds of well-wishers cheered them along.

The Ascot Landau carriage they used was the same the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge rode in after their wedding in 2011.

Mr Fox said he hoped the couple would “extend their compassion to break the circle of anthropocentrism, and help ensure the humane treatment of all creatures great and small”.

However, he finished the letter by saying: “Time for the royal horse brigade to get with the times and put animal welfare and respect before blind tradition.”

Speaking to The Independent about his letter, Michael Fox added: “The snaffle-bits can also distract [the horses] and their focus on the task at hand and what is going on around them.

“Some horses who ‘chomp on the bit’ may be showing heightened anxiety.”

A spokesperson for the royal household told The Independent: “The horses in the royal mews are trained to participate in large ceremonial events.

“Professional care is taken to ensure their wellbeing.”