Memorial to honour one million horses lost in World War One

A memorial dedicated to the one million horses lost in World War One is to be installed in Ascot.

Equine sculptor Susan Leyland (pictured top) has been commissioned to produce “a fitting acknowledgement to the unspoken, uncomplaining and inspirational nobility of the horse.”

The memorial is expected to cost about £250,000 with the funding provided by Ascot Lawyers Foundation (ALF) and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maindenhead.

Project founder Alan Carr said: “This iconic memorial will be a fitting and lasting celebration dedicated to the horse and their valiant service during The Great War.”

The larger-than-life bronze sculpture of a typical animal used to transport munitions and men is due to be unveiled next spring.

The horse will be raised on a stone plinth and face London Road and Ascot high street.

Neil Somerville, senior partner at Ascot Lawyers believes the sculpture will help raise money for important charitable causes.

The project has the backing of the Imperial War Museum, equine and military organisations.

Charities selected as beneficiaries include the Mane Chance Sanctuary, Blue Acre Animal Sanctuary, Riding for the Disabled Association, and the Household Cavalry Foundation.

Actress Jenny Seagrove who set up Mane Chance Sanctuary to rescue and rehome abused or abandoned horses said she was “thrilled, honoured and very grateful” to have been selected to be a beneficiary of the war horse memorial project.

Excavation works is expected to begin on the memorial in the autumn.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now