Since time immemorial horses have played a big
role in our lives from military feats and beasts of burden to racing – the
“sport of kings”.
Without them there would have been no
expansion of civilizations and major conquests in battle. And many have become
famous as a
result.
Think, for example, of Bucephalus – the
horse of Alexander the Great. By the time Alexander had finished, his empire was
a similar size to that of the Roman Empire.
The Conquistadors
brought their horses from Spain to the New World and without them would not have
wreaked such damage or colonized the Americas.
There are many examples of similar feats
throughout history, and one can safely say the horse was a very important part
of it.
One just has to look at artworks to get an idea of
this.
I particularly like the works of Frederick Remington.
His depiction of horses with Native Americans
and cowboys are incredible! I considered myself very fortunate to be able to
purchase a small bronze copy of “The
Cheyenne” many years ago. The original would be priceless and no wonder! But
I digress,,,,
I recently watched the movie “War Horse”. I liked it a lot,
especially when compared to some of the movies
that have been released recently.
Based on a novel the story is about WW1 where
we see Albert, a young man who enlists, being parted from his horse Joey, who
goes from one owner to another, on both sides, and them finally being re-united.
Sgt Reckless did not participate in WW1 but in
the Korean War with the US Marines, also known as Leathernecks since the time of
Thomas
Jefferson.
The story is amazing and shows yet again that
truth is stranger, or more inspiring, than fiction!
Semper Fi!
The Akhal-Teke Horse
Frederic Remington: The Man Who Helped Bring The West To Life
