WAR HORSE 1
The War Horse – The Forsaken Hero of World War 1
Patricia B Matthews
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Author Note
Patricia B Matthews: Fayetteville Technical Community College
Correspondence to the article should be addressed to Patricia B Matthews 4985 Maxwell
Rd, Autryville, NC 28318.
Contact: matthewp4367@student.faytechcc.edu
Abstract
For centuries man has relied on animals to assist them in the arena of warfare.
Undoubtedly the most vital animal was the horse. The ability to pull tremendous loads, has
WAR HORSE 2
meant that horses have mobilized armies for thousands of years. Their lives have been sacrificed
time and time again in the name of war.
Man has been exploiting animals for centuries, but they, unlike their riders, lack the means of
understanding. They unknowingly, willfully carried their riders to bloody battles of World War I.
Many paintings depict warriors charging into battle with swords held high, wild-eyed mounts
stretching out their necks as they surge full-tilt towards the enemy. Yet few pictures show the
consequences: battlefields on which abandoned, maimed, eviscerated animals wander in agony
and bewilderment, lacking even a kindly bullet to free them from their misery. Generals list their
losses in men and guns.
In the first months of the war, cavalry sometimes attempted charges in the old fashion, which
