A pair of horses brought traffic to a standstill in Pasir Ris, Singapore, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in an unexpected display that captivated onlookers. The incident, occurring on the 15th day of the Chinese Recent Year – Chap Goh Mei, which this year celebrates the Year of the Horse – saw the animals galloping down streets near Pasir Ris Drive 3, prompting a swift response from authorities.
Video footage of the incident, widely shared on social media, shows a bay-coloured horse and a white horse trotting and galloping along the roadway, with motorists slowing to observe the unusual sight. In one clip, the bay horse is seen grazing calmly on grass by the roadside, seemingly unfazed by the surrounding traffic. The horses navigated towards a traffic light, with motorcycles and cars maintaining a safe distance, according to reports.
The Singapore Police Force responded to the situation, working with staff from the nearby Gallop Stable to safely secure the animals. “Officers responded promptly and worked with stable staff to safely secure the horses. The horses were subsequently returned to their stables without incident,” police stated. The horses were back at the stable approximately two hours after they initially bolted, according to authorities.
Horses Briefly ‘Explore the Neighbourhood’
Gallop Stable, which has operated in Pasir Ris since 2003, acknowledged the incident in a post on Instagram, stating, “Two of our horses decided to explore the neighbourhood but we’re happy to share they are safely back home, calm and well.” The stable offers a range of horse-related activities, including riding lessons, pony rides and trail rides, and as well operates another location at Horsecity in Bukit Timah.
Ken Ku, a 35-year-old resident of Pasir Ris and the chief executive of an investment firm, witnessed the horses during his trip to a McDonald’s outlet. He initially believed they were undergoing training, but quickly realized they appeared disoriented. “But they looked a bit lost, they kept going forward and then turning around and going back where they came from,” Ku told The Straits Times. He observed the horses heading towards Elias Road before turning back and briefly entering a lane near a residential block.
Previous Incidents and Safety Advice
This isn’t the first time horses have been spotted roaming in Pasir Ris. In 2016, citizen journalism website Stomp reported a similar incident involving three horses galloping down a road in the area.
The Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) is investigating the incident. Ms. Jessica Kwok, group director of the AVS, confirmed the service was aware of the situation and that handlers from Gallop Stable successfully secured the horses. The AVS also issued guidance for anyone encountering a loose horse: remain calm, do not approach or chase the animal, and contact the 24-hour Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600.
The timing of the incident, coinciding with Chap Goh Mei and the Year of the Horse, has added a touch of serendipity to the event. Chap Goh Mei traditionally marks the culmination of Chinese New Year celebrations, and the Year of the Horse is associated with energy, enthusiasm, and success.
The incident highlights the importance of secure animal containment and the quick response capabilities of local authorities. While the horses’ brief excursion caused a temporary disruption, it ultimately concluded without incident, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the police and stable staff.
The AVS investigation is ongoing, and further details regarding the circumstances that led to the horses escaping their enclosure may be released in the coming days. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Animal Response Centre.
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