The Equine Learning Curve: Horses and mules in British Army transport services during the First World War

Abstract

This article combines research methodologies from military history and animal studies to write equines into the history of the First World War. In doing so, it seeks to demonstrate how considering the animal perspective can advance our understanding of conflict at an individual and operational level. It proposes that the horses and mules used in British Army transport services were not just passive victims as they are often portrayed, but sentient beings who played an active role in operations.