BIRCH HILL STATION WWI MEMORIAL RIDE

Between 1914 and 1916 the New Zealand government acquired more than 10,000 horses to equip the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

They served in German Samoa, at Gallipoli, in the Middle East and on the Western Front.

Many horses died from disease or injury once overseas due to the severe heat conditions and work load. Of those that survived the war, only four officers horses were repatriated back home.  The remaining horses were either shot, sold to the Egyptians or kept for use by the British army. (see our history page for more)