Belfast.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast today (Mon 14th May) accepted from us a bronze horseshoe on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland to signify the service and sacrifice made by thousands of Irish horses in the First World War.

Councillor Nuala McAllister spoke of “the great honour” she felt in accepting the horseshoe on behalf of the people of Belfast and Northern Ireland. “It will serve as a lasting reminder to recognise the sacrifices of the animals that gave their lives in the Great War a century ago, which helped to secure our freedom,” she explained.

Although our War Horse monument is being erected in Ascot, in Berkshire, we believe the link with the four countries of the UK is extremely important to the success of the project. We are keen to acknowledge the huge contribution made particularly by the country’s regiments. Records show that both men and horses served with distinction throughout the four-year long campaign.

Poppy, our giant bronze horse has purposely been sculptured without her horseshoes, and we are delighted that Councillor McAllister (pictured here with co-founders Alan Carr MBE and Susan Osborne) agreed to accept one of them on behalf of the people of Belfast and Northern Ireland. Two other horseshoes have been presented to the Lord Mayors of Cardiff and London and the fourth will be given to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh later in the year.