A POIGNANT tribute was paid on Saturday to the eight million horses killed during World War One.
On a weekend of reflection and remembrance, close to 100 people turned out in Thornton Hough to pay their respects to the animals that lost their lives in the conflict.
Organised by Kerry Gibbons – who runs Demby Farm with her mum Janet Green just outside Thornton Hough – the ‘Remembrance Hack’ saw more than 40 horses and their riders make their way to the village’s war memorial on Saturday, while around 50 people lined the streets to watch.
Kerry explained that the idea came after a yard outing to watch War Horse at the cinema last year with their Pony Tales club – a group for children to learn all about horses and horse care.
“We decided to teach our Pony Tales crew about the role of horses in WWI. They didn’t realise that during the First World War, horses played such an important role, not only fighting on the front line but acting as ambulances, carrying wounded soldiers and supplies.
“More than eight million horses gave their lives during the war and the children asked us why they are never mentioned as being war heroes.”
As a result, Kerry offered the children the chance to write poems of thanks to the fallen horses and to make wreathes of purple flowers.
“On the Saturday before Remembrance Sunday, we hacked all of our horses and took the children to the war memorial in Thornton Hough so that they could read a poem and lay their flowers,” said Kerry.
“The horses, adorned in purple with poppies in their manes, stood and faced the memorial in a salute to their ancestors.”
Members of Pony Tales read their poems at the war memorial in Thornton Hough.
Most surprising to Kerry was the reaction of those they passed on the day, prompting her to organise a second hack this Remembrance Weekend.
“We were extremely touched. We didn't tell anybody about it at the time and afterwards lots of people said it was a great idea, so this year we offered for anyone who happened to be along out route to join us.”
Saturday’s event saw dozens of horses make the journey to the memorial, including two horses and riders in full authentic WWI attire.
One of those who took part on Saturday was Andrew Prescott.
Riding horse River, he said: "My granddad managed to luckily make it from start to finish through WWI in the Royal Horse Artillery, though was seriously gassed three times but after a short recovery was sent straight back to the front.
"In honour of him I wore his spurs that I have inherited that made it all the way through the war with him. When they were issued they had spikey rowels on them like you think of the old cowboy ones.
"When they arrived in France they removed the spikes and replaced it with a french coin so as not to harm the horses...... a kind act in a very unkind time."
Kerry added: “The bond between man and horse is incredible. It is based entirely on trust and for a horse to enter a battlefield, blinded by smoke to the sound of gunshots and fire, against all of its natural instincts to run the opposite direction is something that we never want younger generations to take for granted.
“These horses trusted and gave their lives for a cause so on Saturday we formed a cavalcade in memory of those brave horses and thank them for paying the greatest piece of all.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here