A charity is aiming to raise £10,000 in 10 days in memory of horses who died in the First World War.
Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys has launched an online appeal to raise the money.
It is being raised in honour of the 10,000 war horses who died in 10 days during a major German military offensive in spring 1918.
“100 years ago Operation Michael, part of the German spring offensive, had ground to a halt,” said a Brooke spokesman.
“Germany was forced to send thousands of brave horses and mules loaded with supplies into enemy territory and ultimately to their deaths.
“They were rushed to the front, through shell fire and mud, with supplies to keep the operation going.
“As supplies ran out many of these loyal animals were sacrificed for their meat, further slowing the advance and giving the Allies the upper hand.”
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He added that the charity wants to honour the 10,000 equines who “nobly gave their lives” by improving the lives of today’s vulnerable working horses, donkeys and mules.
“Brooke’s Every Horse Remembered campaign marks 100 years since the end of the First World War and highlights the struggle of working horses, donkeys and mules of the past and present,” he added.
“The money raised from this April appeal will help build better lives for future generations of animals and their owners.”
‘Blackie’ served on the Western Front at many of the First World War’s major battles, including the Somme, Arras, Ypres
The charity has so far raised £1,097 since the campaign was launched on 1 April.
“Eight million horses, donkeys and mules died in the First World War, not only from fierce shellfire and gas attacks but also from the extreme conditions they had to endure,” added the spokesman.
“Brooke is calling for everyone who ever loved a horse, donkey or mule, whether as a child or as a rider now, to help prevent suffering of animals working today.”
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
