Exhibition illustrates the role of horses in WWI.

This research focuses on an exhibition that displays the critical role horses played during World War I, with the aid of an in-depth study by British archaeologist and military historian David Kenyon. The exhibition is displayed at the Horse Trust Home of Rest for Horses and delves into various aspects of horses’ involvement and impact during and after the war.

Research Background and Objectives

• The exhibition explores the profound connection the British army had with horses during World War I. It highlights how over 100,000 horses were requisitioned and collected in just 12 days in 1914. This data comes from a detailed study prepared by David Kenyon for the charity.
• The study aims to acknowledge the significant role these horses played during the war, shedding light on the stories of some of the animals involved.

Findings of the Study

• It delves into the fate of the 800,000 horses under army possession throughout various global theatres after the conflict concluded.
• Additionally, the exhibition explains the war’s impact on the British equine population during this period, implying a substantial influence that may have reached the point of population depletion.
• On a more personal note, the exhibition includes stories of some of the individual animals involved, adding a layer of humane perspective to the objective historical overview.

Significance of the Study

• It is a necessary remembrance of the considerable contribution of horses in what is regarded as the ‘last horse-drawn war’, according to Jeanette Allan, the Horse Trust’s chief executive.
• The study and exhibition serve as a lens to understand the lesser-known aspects of the war, providing insight into the role and experiences of horses during this turbulent time.
• The exhibition bridges a gap in historical knowledge, focusing on a non-human perspective of the war, which is often overlooked in conventional historical academic research.