Читать книгу Warrior: The true story of the real war horse - Isabel George, Isabel George - Страница 5

‘Warrior, the time has come to live up to your name. We are needed over the water in France, but don’t worry; we will face this war together. We will go there, do what needs to be done and return home, please God, unscathed. So what do you say, my Warrior? What do you say?’

General Jack Seely spoke softly to his beloved horse who leant in to rest his warm cheek against his master’s. Seely knew what Warrior’s answer would be. The horse was made of the same fibres as his owner: nothing scared him. Already a war hero having seen conflict in the Boer War, Seely had carved a name for himself as an able horseman. Galloping across the South African veldt, he had tested the spirit of man and horse against an unforgiving environment and a merciless enemy – and won. ‘Galloper Jack’, as he was affectionately known, was ready to take up arms for his country once more.

It was August 1914 and Britain was at war with Germany. Seely was preparing to join a troop ship to the Western Front and this time his adventure would include his horse, Warrior, an unusually short-legged, 15.2 hands bay thoroughbred with a bright white star on his forehead. A horse whose iron will and brave heart would protect one man and inspire a nation.