By Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc as published in theHorse.com

More than 8 million horses served in World War I and only a fraction survived

In December 2013, a massive ice storm hit the northeast, rendering millions without power. Our elderly neighbors “rescued” my children and me, and we stayed huddled in front of their fire, which served as our only source of heat and light for several days.

The primitive living conditions reminded my neighbors of growing up in the midst of World War II, diving head first into the trenches lining the perimeter of the school yard when the sirens sounded and standing in the bomb shelters reciting times tables whilst breathing as hard as possible to make their gas masks puff ever so slightly from their faces to produce a flatulence-like sound.

Sgt Reckless the real War Horse

Just like young people continue to find small joys in childhood even in the midst of war, horses and other equids continue go to work helping their human companions in any way they are asked. It is simply their nature. While many human soldiers bravely elect to serve their countries, equids have been called to duty over the centuries, without choice or complaint.

Recall some of the following facts:

• More than 8 million horses served in World War I and only a fraction survived;
• The British Army alone recruited 1 million horses—more than 90% died;
• In addition to direct attacks, causes of death in war horses were due to disease, starvation, thirst, and exposure to the elements;
• In World War II, Germany reportedly used 2.75 million horses, while the Soviets used 3.5 million; and
• After surviving a war, horses were rarely returned to their homes. Instead, they were repurposed and sent to other war zones.

Every Nov. 11, people throughout the world remember, thank, and celebrate veterans in different ways. And, for the past several years, TheHorse.com has recognized the role of horses in warfare, each year with a different goal—unwanted horses, maintenance of equine war monuments, a moment of silence for horses, for example.

This year, we seek to raise awareness regarding the continued war efforts that horses make through equine therapy. Our human heroes return from war expected to rejoin society despite bearing physical scars and emotional wounds. Yet again, our equine companions give selflessly to help our veterans heal as highlighted in the award-winning documentary Riding My Way Back.

There are a number of organizations offering healing services to veterans, such as the Injured Marie Semper Fi Fund’s Jinx McCain Horsemanship Program  and Saratoga Warhorse that “provides each individual with a unique experience that helps to release stress.”

Many more veterans could and would benefit from equine therapy. This Veterans Day, during the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, consider making a donation to an equine therapy organization to show support not only for the veterans horses help today but also the scores of service animals lost to the trenches over time.

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