Real war horses sought for new TV documentary

Families whose grandparents – or great-grandparents – had horses requisitioned during World War I are being asked to get in touch with the producers of a Channel 4 documentary.

The 47-minute film is being made off the back of Steven Spielberg’s War Horse, which is released in the UK on 13 January.

Testimony Films wants to hear from people with family tales of horses being taken from their farms and stables to help the war effort.

Director of The Real War Horse, George Pagliero told H&H he was inspired by the popular interest drummed up by the book, stage play and now the film.

“The documentary will tell the real story about the part horses had to play in the First World War,” he said.

“It will look at all the types of horses that were taken to the Western Front, from the cavalry horses to the horses that were pulling ammunition.”

The producers of the documentary have been working with the curator of the War Horse: Fact and Fiction exhibition at the National Army Museumin London, Pip Dodd, to help

dig out the facts.

Mr Dodd told H&H: “Millions of ‘patient heroes’ were enlisted by the British Army.

“These horses, like the men who depended upon them, experienced unimaginable deprivations in the most hostile of conditions.

“They have played an integral part in shaping the course of our history.”

Anyone who can help should contact Devika Raman, tel: 0117 925 8589 or email devika.raman@testimonyfilms.com

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (15 December 2011)

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