Unsung Equine Heroes: An Analysis of Equine Care and Management During the Great War
Abstract
This thesis explores the use of equines by the British Expeditionary Forces throughout the First World War, particularly examining various aspects of war equine care and management. It addresses the significance behind the use of these animals in the war before delving into the reality of how equines were cared for in terms of farrier work, skin care and management, feeding and watering, as well as psychological understandings of horses, donkeys, and mules. Through the implementation of various primary and secondary source materials, this thesis considers care mistakes that were made and the corrections that were enforced to alleviate injury and illness resulting from these errors in judgement. It further analyzes the reality behind emphasis placed on such shifts, arguing that changes were primarily prioritized not because equines were living beings that deserved as much but because they were so vital to the war effort.