"Vanderpump Rules" Star Bitten by King's Guard Horse in London

Scheana Shay, a cast member on the popular reality series "Vanderpump Rules," had an unexpected encounter with a King's Guard horse during her recent trip to London in July. The incident, caught on video and shared on TikTok, adds Shay to the growing list of tourists who have disregarded warning signs and gotten too close to the iconic steeds.

A clear sign, positioned near the horse stationed outside Buckingham Palace, cautioned visitors with a bold, underlined message: "BEWARE — Horses may kick or bite — Don't touch the horse." Yet, Shay, dressed in a black mini dress, approached the magnificent dark brown horse and turned to face the camera, her high ponytail appearing to brush against the animal. This seemingly minor interaction sparked a reaction from the horse, which lunged and quickly nipped Shay's exposed arm.

The video shows Shay stumbling forward, her face clearly startled despite her oversized sunglasses. She utters a small yelp before moving away from the horse, nervously laughing at her companions as she briskly walks away. The King's Guard member on horseback, as is customary, appears oblivious to the near-miss.

The video was posted by the account @kingsguardlondonsites, which has compiled numerous instances of tourists being bitten or jostled by the King's Guard horses. While Shay's encounter surfaced weeks after her London trip, it's unclear if the account's owner even recognised her as a public figure.

However, Shay's encounter is not an isolated incident. Around the same time, a woman wearing a Pink Floyd T-shirt was more severely injured by a King's Guard horse. Footage of the incident shows the woman approaching the horse for a photo, despite its apparent agitation and previous attempts to nip at others in the crowd. The horse eventually bit her arm, causing the woman to scream and run away. The bite seemed to have a significant impact, as she stumbled and appeared to lose consciousness. This prompted an unprecedented response from the King's Guard, who instructed a bystander to fetch a police officer.

These incidents are not unique, as several tourists have been captured on camera being bitten or even thrown to the ground by the King's Guard horses in recent months. Despite the clear warnings, the allure of a photo with these majestic creatures seems to outweigh safety concerns for some visitors.

Shay documented her London trip, including the horse encounter, on her YouTube channel shortly after returning to Los Angeles. She was in the UK for a "girls trip" which included a Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre concert and an appearance on the "Saving Grace" podcast. Her itinerary also included visits to popular tourist spots like the Victoria Memorial, Big Ben, and a scenic cruise down the River Thames, culminating with a sail under Tower Bridge.

Following her return home, Shay was a judge at the Miss USA pageant in Los Angeles, where she made a striking appearance in a sheer black mini dress with intersecting stripes.

While Shay's London adventure might have taken an unexpected turn, it highlights the importance of respecting the space and safety of animals, even those with a historical and symbolic significance like the King's Guard horses. Tourists should be mindful of warnings and prioritise their own safety when interacting with animals, particularly those accustomed to a strict routine and potential agitation in crowded environments.