In commemoration of ANZAC Day we’re honouring the horses who played an important part in New Zealand’s armed forces history. During the Great War more than 10,000 horses were acquired by the New Zealand government to help equip our armed forces in combat. They served in Gallipoli, the Middle East and the Western Front.
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Horses were tested for fitness by stock inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and on average owners were paid £17 (the equivalent of around $2500 today) for horses suitable for riding and £24 ($3500) for artillery and transport horses.
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Conditions in Gallipoli proved unsuitable for horses. Many horses who were sent to Gallipoli were evacuated and returned to Egypt. When the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade – infantrymen and horses – were sent to Gallipoli in May 1915, it was without their horses as the terrain proved to be inadequate.
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Many officers and horsemen missed being separated from their mounts. Colonel C.G. Powles describes how much his men anticipated seeing the horses again. “Great was the delight of the old hands when they found their horses in the pink of condition … and good indeed it was to see the shining happy face of many an ‘old hand’ as he wandered down the lines and recognised his own beloved horse.”
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Conditions on the Western Front and Middle East were often physically trying for the horses. Sometimes food, water or suitable shelter was in short supply. They suffered particularly in winter on the front because of the dampness and mud while in the Middle East, horses carried heavy loads of over 100kgs including their rider, weapons, ammunition, food, and water.
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At the end of the war only four horses made it back to New Zealand. Many horses were pooled with the British army horses and may have been sold on or killed at the end of the war.
While we commemorate the service and immense sacrifices of our soldiers, let us also remember the contributions of their animal commorades. Lest we forget.
This ANZAC weekend spend time on-course with friends and family at these upcoming racedays:
Wellington Races Autumn Family Raceday on Sunday 22 April. Come along and commemorate Trentham’s strong history of involvement with the New Zealand armed forces. https://www.theraces.co.nz/event/autumn-family-raceday
ITM ANZAC Manawatu Raceday on Thursday 26 April. https://www.theraces.co.nz/event/manawatu-itm-anzac-mile