A war horse’s lock of hair saved by his soldier for decades, 59 horses seized in rescue and other things the horse world is talking about

A war horse remembered

As we come out of a summer celebrating incredible partnerships in equestrian sport, we’ve learned of another strong and moving partnership – this one from a century ago. A piece of the forelock of a British Army horse who was killed during the First World War was kept for decades by sergeant William Simpson, who donated it to what is now the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum, 70 years ago. The hair has now gone on public display, with the note William wrote and signed: “Forelock of my Troop Horse, killed 6 Oct 1915”.

William served as a farrier sergeant in the Shropshire Yeomanry cavalry regiment, a part-time volunteer force in peace time. A spokesperson for the museum said it is possible the horse, killed on home service, was originally his own, and taken on for military service.

Read the full story

More than 450 animals seized in rescue – including 59 equines

A farmer who “wantonly neglected hundreds of animals” in one of the largest cases the RSPCA has ever dealt with has been jailed for a year and banned from keeping all animals for life.

Authorities who attended the location of these neglected animals found a “foul smell” owing to the “appalling conditions” in which more than 450 animals were being kept. Horses and donkeys were seized, along with many other species, in a multi-agency operation also involving The Donkey Sanctuary, Redwings, World Horse Welfare, Bransby Horses, the British Horse Society, Dogs Trust and Beauties’ Legacy.

Find out more about this heartbreaking rescue

Beautiful equestrian home for sale

There aren’t many pretty, immaculate three-bedroom homes with equestrian facilities on the market around the £800,000 mark and so this one has us talking about it. Huntsmans Cottage is a three-bedroom timber-framed home, within land of more than three acres including an outdoor arena and three stables, in the village of Bishampton.

Take a look around

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You may also be interested in:

Famous painting of war horse ‘the Germans couldn’t kill’ brought to life

The exhibition will feature more than 40 paintings created by the British artist

Lest we forget: lost 1914 poem shows the heartbreak as horses were taken to war

War horses – from the Battle of Waterloo to the Olympic Games

Some 90 horses removed from farm in major welfare operation after concerns raised

Court upholds lifetime ban for rescue centre owner who allowed horses to suffer

‘He proved that healing is possible’: horse rescued from ‘heartbreaking neglect’ dies surrounded by love

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Sarah Jenkins

H&H editor-in-chief

Sarah has worked at an equestrian journalist and editor since 2004 and has held the position of Horse & Hound Editor-in-Chief since 2014. She has reported for Horse & Hound from major championships including Europeans and World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on horses and horse sport including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. She has owned and ridden horses since 1993, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university. While studying for a BSc at London School of Economics Sarah also worked for top British dressage rider Louise Spate.