Horseback Remembrance ceremony at Staffordshire park

Horse riders from local livery yards, local people serving in the armed forces, members of the public and dog walkers attended the event on Sunday which was organised by Westgate Equestrian and supported by Country Park Manager Steve Gallis, tea room owner Dave Daly and local businesses. 

Horse riders with memorial sashes rode to Baggeridge for a short service around the remembrance flag and the Last Post was played before a red wreath was laid at the War Memorial to honour veterans and a purple wreath was laid to pay respects to animals that have served in conflicts. 

Eight million horses, donkeys and mules, and one million dogs perished in the First World War whilst performing roles such as carrying the wounded, transporting equipment, detecting poisonous gas and delivering medical supplies to wounded soldiers on battlefields. 

There is a War Horse memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum and awareness of the bravery and loyalty of animals during conflict is increasing.