History will gallop into life this weekend as an iconic Kent landmark ensures the extraordinary work of a humble – but vital – war machine is never forgotten. Dan Wright reports.

It is an easily overlooked fact that eight million horses lost their lives during the First World War.

While the terrors of the trenches may dominate the history books, our trusty four-legged friends played an integral part in the conflict.

Standing behind the technological advances of tanks, aeroplanes and poisonous gas, the humble horse was the bedrock of our war efforts.

It powered the logistical operations on both sides of the battle – pulling heavy guns, mounting cavalry charges and carrying the wounded and dying to hospital.

Britain’s countryside was stripped of its shire horses and riding ponies in the first year of conflict to supply the army, which on average lost 15% of its horses every year. So to ensure their bravery is not forgotten, an all-new event at magnificent Dover Castle is set to draw in the crowds this weekend.

Called War and the Horse, the two-day showcase on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, will celebrate the nobility, beauty and invaluable companionship that the reliable animals provided throughout the Great War.

From its magnificent medieval keep to its secret wartime tunnels, the castle is crammed full of history and this weekend its stories of the four-legged kind will be remembered.

English Heritage event manager Lydia Tickner is looking forward to the big event, which will include cavalry displays and mounted first person talks.

“This year, 100 years on from the start of the war, we felt that it was a really good time to commemorate the role horses played,” she said.

“They represent the enduring values of hope and camaraderie which are as meaningful today as they were 100 years ago.”

While horses may not occupy the castle today, the site still shares a rich history with the animals.

Over the weekend of the event, the horses on show inside the castle’s great walls will be kept in its historic stable stalls to the north of Constable’s Gate.

Built by the Royal Engineers between 1883 and 1884 and boasting a coach house, grooms’ flat and hayloft, the quaint stables are locked up and unused nowadays but will be brought back to life this weekend.

“Horses are spectacular animals and as well as being an integral part of our history they are extremely popular today, as pets, in competition and simply to admire,” Lydia added.

“The speed and skill of the cavalry horse displays is quite something and we hope that our visitors will really enjoy the experience, along with the opportunity to immerse themselves in all the other aspects of the event.”

Birds and biplanes

War and the Horse isn’t just about the animals as a full array of other activities will be on show this weekend.

Organisers hope to showcase the lesser known aspects of the First World War, away from the horror of the trenches.

To do this, Edwardian falconry will be on show alongside a wartime toy shop, a children’s assault course and an Edwardian dance hall music.

A replica biplane will add another dimension to the event, coupled with the recreation of a First World War Sikh soldiers regiment.

Moving drama of letters sent home

An all-new play, called Letters Home, will also be performed at War and the Horse and is the brainchild of Kent actor Simon King.

Simon, originally from Tunbridge Wells before moving to go to school in Gravesend, stars in the play which details a soldier’s thoughts and feelings from first-hand accounts and letters written during the war.

Usually found dressed up as King Henry II inside the castle’s keep, this weekend Simon will be out in the grounds, performing to audiences.

Simon, of Time Will Tell Theatre, laughed: “I don’t have to worry about being medieval or being the man in charge this weekend!

During the four years of war, two billion letters were sent backwards and forwards – from home to the front line – and Simon’s play will shed light on how it was done.

“Every time we perform it is quite a moving piece,” Simon, who performs alongside Kathy Hipperson, added.

“The play is a celebration of what the post office did to make sure soldiers could keep in touch. A lot of letters were the last sent home in the event of death.

War and the Horse is at Dover Castle on Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21.

Adult tickets cost £18.50 with family tickets costing £48.10. For English Heritage members, adults cost £1 and £2.60 for families. All tickets entry to other attractions at Dover Castle.

Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk for details or call 01304 211067.