War Horse chapter closes

Mayor Andrew King, Councillor Angela O'Leary, Tangata Whenua adviser Dr Ngapare Hopa, Noeline Jeffries and members of TOTI Mavora Hamilton and Margaret Evans. Photo / Tom Rowland

Another chapter in the War Horse story came was written on Saturday with the launching of a War Horse book.

A crowd of 50 gathered at the Waikato Equestrian centre to launch the book, including Hamilton mayor Andrew King, Theatre of the Impossible Charitable Trust (TOTI) members Margaret Evans, Mavora Hamilton and tangata whenua adviser Dr Ngapare Hopa.

The book is a summary of events concluding with the unveiling of the War Horse statue on Armistice Day last year. The statue honours the thousands of horses used overseas in World War I and which never returned.

Noeline Jeffries, who spearheaded efforts to erect the statue, said the launch was a success and now she looks forward to future projects with the Waikato Equestrian Centre.

"Our War Horse Project began in 2015 when the WEC set up a War Horse Board to work with TOTI as project managers. The dream of a War Horse Memorial has now become a reality with the statue unveiling on Armistice Day last year, and The Mane Event Open Day of equestrian events free to the public," Ms Jeffries said.

"We now come to the final chapter of the War Horse Memorial Project with the launching of the War Horse book today. The funds from the sale of this book will go to the Waikato Equestrian Centre. Thanks must go to Richards Stowers and TOTI for their work on this book and we plan to give copies to our local schools so that the future generations will carry on the story of the War Horse."

The War Horse Board is setting up a War Horse Memorial Fund to provide free riding lessons to children whose families cannot afford them. It came from a suggestion from Dr Ngapare Hopa of Ngati Wairere who worked with TOTI throughout the project.

The group has begun with local schools to develop the concept and sufficient funds will also be provided to buy a horse that will be named Gunner after the name given to the war horse statue in Memorial Park.

"We all know how valuable our relationship with horses can be."

The group ismaking a submission to the city council's 10 year plan for further facilities at the club as they attract riders from around the Waikato.

The book was officially launched by Hamilton mayor Andrew King and Councillor Angela O'Leary.