In a poignant display of remembrance, 65 horses gathered at the Havenstreet Memorial Shrine on Sunday to honour the fallen horses of the two World Wars. The event, organised by local equestrian enthusiast, Kirsty Newnham, brought together friends, family, and members of the equestrian community to pay tribute to these often-overlooked war-time heroes. With strong local support, the event raised a total of £560 for the Poppy Appeal, and £126 for the War Horse Memorial, from the sale of purple poppies.

The ceremony was held at Coppid Hall Farm, and several local businesses rallied behind the event as sponsors.

Reflecting on the day, Kirsty expressed her gratitude: “It’s incredibly moving to see so many come together to remember not only the soldiers but also the animals who served with them. They were heroes in their own right, and it’s important to keep their memory alive.”

The event concluded with two minutes of silence as the horses and their riders stood together, surrounded by purple poppies and wreaths.

With the support of local patrons and the parish council, names of the villagers that had fallen in world wars were read by Councillor Veronica Hattersley. The gathering proved a memorable tribute and a testament to the impact of community spirit in honouring the memory of history’s unsung heroes.