Equine Soldiers of the Great War (1914 - 1918)
 | WWI military personnel pay tribute to the horse |
As countries around the world commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great War, it is appropriate to also acknowledge the significant role of horses during the conflict.
All combatants in the conflict used horses to varying degrees, as the cavalry was considered an essential offensive element of the military.
Canada sent about 130,000 horses overseas during the First World War. By war's end, Canada supplied well over 10 per cent of the horses used on the Western Front, a quarter of them killed every year.
"A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse"
The horse is the animal most associated with war. Its value, in battle and to the morale of those who fought, was invaluable.
~Excerpts from an article by the HELG Education Sub-committee. Click here to read the full article.
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Don't miss the WW1 War Horse Memorial Sculpture displayed at the Royal Winter Fair
'The Heavy Horse - a lightweight colossal work of art' is a tribute to the service of animals in the military in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge.
The sculpture by Anne Clifford (A Headwaters Horse Country art contest award winner) and the art students at Pine River Institute will be a featured display at the Royal Winter Fair.
Click here for more information.
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