Two hundred people have taken part in a Yorkshire Dales service to commemorate the eight million horses, donkeys and mules that died in service during World War One.
Four churches in Coverdale, North Yorkshire, joined forces to host the open-air War Horse Remembrance Service at Pinkers Pond in Coverdale, about a mile outside Middleham. Along with those on foot about forty of those taking part were on horseback.
The High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, Christopher Legard, led prayers and laid a wreath to remember the horses, mules and donkeys who served.
Countess Charlotte Peel read the poem 'War Horse' by Steven Cooke, and Jo Harrison-Topham of Coverdale was on horserback to read a euology to the horses.
The churches invited local racing stables, pony clubs and hunts, with proceeds from the service going to Brooke's Every Horse Remembered campaign.
The Revd Liz Moody, Associate Priest of Middleham with Coverdale, East Witton and Thornton Steward, who led the service with her husband and rector, the Revd Jeff Payne, said, “Horses are a central part to life in this part of the world - the racing stables in Middleham, but also in the area as a whole, many people own and love and work with horses.
“There is also the military connection with Catterick Garrison nearby. So we thought it important to remember, honour, and give thanks to God for the eight million equines that suffered and died alongside the soldiers: all this is in the context of believing that God loves the whole of his creation, and grieved for the suffering of these noble and faithful animals.
Hannah Russell, of Brooke's Every Horse Remembered campaign, said horses, donkeys and mules died in the war from shellfire, gas attacks and extreme conditions.
"It's so important that we honour the contribution of animals of the past in order to ensure a better future for the horses, donkeys and mules of today," she said.
“The service itself was beautiful”, said Liz. “Lots of people had worked very hard to put it all together, and it was very moving, especially as there were lots of horses present, and we could see their strength and vulnerability, their faithfulness and trust manifest before us.”
