Lyth stables owner remembers horse casualties of war
A Lyth-based stables owner will be wearing her purple poppy with pride in memory of horses and other animals that died during wartime.
Natalie Oag runs the Horsin’ Around stables and says she will be reflecting upon the equine casualties of World War One during Remembrance Day.
“Sadly, there was not a happy ending for the majority of poor horses and mules after the five horrific years of war,” said Natalie.
“Heartache for war horses didn't end with the armistice. At war's end, 85,000 of the oldest were sold for horsemeat to feed prisoners of war and starving citizens in France and Belgium – I find this part very disturbing and upsetting.”
She says that half-a-million horses were sold to French farmers to help rebuild the countryside. Only 60,000 made it back to Britain. Six black horses that survived the war together would pull the body of the Unknown Warrior to its last resting place in Westminster Abbey.
“Eight million horses, donkeys and mules died in WWI, three-quarters of them from the extreme conditions they worked in. One-quarter of all horse deaths were due to gunfire and gas; exhaustion and disease claimed the rest.
“I feel we owe so much to the horse who has served man in war in his very hour of need. For transportation, for pleasure, for working the fields, logging, the list goes on.
“I say the horse has proved himself and deserves that title of ‘man’s best friend’ alongside the dog. I have the same bond with all my horses as I do with my little chihuahua.”
Natalie says the horses and other animal casualties of war will “never be forgotten”.
