War Horse: The Real Story

This documentary explores the remarkable and emotional story of the one million British horses that served during World War I, a tale even more sweeping than the film *War Horse*. It begins with the large-scale recruitment of horses from farms and country estates across the country. Racing commentator Brough Scott recounts the story of his grandfather, General Jack Seely, and his horse Warrior, who became the most famous equine figure of the war. Initially, the British Army anticipated that its prestigious cavalry regiments would achieve a quick victory, but it took years for them to see such success. In the new reality of mechanized trench warfare, the heavy horses were crucial for transporting guns, ammunition, and food to frontline troops. A quarter of a million of these horses perished due to shrapnel and disease. However, the strong bond between soldiers and horses helped both endure the horrors of battles such as the Somme and Passchendaele.