Its difficult to single out one horse for this list, as Black Beauty, Shadowfax and Hidlago are all deserving of a mention. However, Steve Spielbergs War Horse, Joey, just about stands above the rest. It isnt just the connection between Joey and his owner Albert, but all the people this horse touches over the years that's the reason he makes the cut. A young Albert witnesses the birth of a foal and becomes fascinated watching the young horse grow up. His father buys the horse, but soon comes under financial hardship and is forced to sell Joey to a British Soldier who puts the horse in the cavalry unit. Once hes of age, Albert enlists in the army to find him. Its not just Albert, but Emilie, a young French girl, who also connects with Joey while the horse is lost behind enemy lines. Emilie finds Joey and manages to keep him hidden from the German troops for a short while. Her love and adoration for Joey touches her grandfather who buys the horse in the auction at the end of the film for the sake of Emilies memory. The poor girl passes away from a terminal illness, making Joey seem even more special for being able to give her some happiness in her short time. However, the grandfather realises that allowing Joey to be reunited with Albert is a far greater tribute to Emilies memory, and returns him to Alberts care. Its a touching end and one Joey thoroughly deserves. We witness the trauma of the First World War through the eyes of this horse, and its with great relief we see him survive. From being forced to endure extreme labour to being caught in barbed wire in No Mans Land, he has been just as much a victim in this war as all the people fighting. He united enemies and gave hope to friends, and he touched every life he encountered, making it that little bit more special. An extraordinary life for an extraordinary horse.
An aspiring filmmaker, writer, traveller, and avid comic book fan, with an undying passion for calligraphy and chopping boards shaped like fruit. Genuinely enjoys receiving your hate mail.
