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Warrior: The Amazing Story of a Real War Horse
December 2011 sees the premier of Steven Spielberg's much anticipated film, War Horse, which is the most popular piece of fiction ever written about horses in war. My Horse Warrior, first published in 1934 is equally wondrous fact. It is told by Winston Churchill's great heroic friend, Jack Seely, about the thoroughbred horse he took to France in 1914 surviving five years of bombs and bullets to lead a cavalry charge in 1918 before returning home where they rode on together until 1938, their combined ages (70+30) totalling 100.
The book tells the whole history of Warrior from his birth in an Isle of Wight field, to his amazing life as a famous war horse and how a combination of both the horse's extraordinary character and some unbelievable twists of fate, helped him survive a war which claimed the lives of 8 million horses. This new edition, "My Horse Warrior: The Original War Horse" is introduced by Jack Seely's grandson Brough Scott, a well-known broadcaster and journalist. It includes the original illustrations which equine and war artist Sir Alfred Munnings drew especially for Jack Seely both during the war and at home afterwards.
The book tells the whole history of Warrior from his birth in an Isle of Wight field, to his amazing life as a famous war horse and how a combination of both the horse's extraordinary character and some unbelievable twists of fate, helped him survive a war which claimed the lives of 8 million horses. This new edition, "My Horse Warrior: The Original War Horse" is introduced by Jack Seely's grandson Brough Scott, a well-known broadcaster and journalist. It includes the original illustrations which equine and war artist Sir Alfred Munnings drew especially for Jack Seely both during the war and at home afterwards.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published September 28, 2011
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229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 5, 2012
This is the true story of a real war horse, as told by his owner, General Jack Seely. I say this to draw the distinction between Warrior: The Amazing Story of a Real War Horse and the fictional book War Horse, which is now also a Spielberg film.
The story starts with a chapter about Cinderella, Warrior's mother, who was also owned by Seely.
This is a very personal record, written by a man who obviously loved horses, and particularly Warrior. It was written whilst Warrior was still alive, and includes comments from many who were associated with this remarkable beast. He was a truly amazing horse, with an almost unbelievable personality.
How he survived the whole four and a half of years of World War One, when an estimated million horses were killed in that war, is incredible. He had shells and bulidings and earth drop on him. A horse that he was nose to nose with was shot, and he hardly flinched. He led a charge near Amiens, which could have been regarded as a turning point in the war.
Despite the descriptions of major events leading up to WW1, through the war, and beyond into the forties, I found this much more interesting than very exciting. It was akin to enhancements to a personal journal of the aritocratic British leader that General Seely was. It seemed to be written for himself and his family.
One of the most interesting points that General Seely made was that he thought that there would neve come a time when horses were "the most important element of modern warfare," and that the planners should always make sure of an adequatesupply of horses in time of war."
What would he have to say in this world of drones and guided missiles?
This is a fascinating book, and I recommend it.
The story starts with a chapter about Cinderella, Warrior's mother, who was also owned by Seely.
This is a very personal record, written by a man who obviously loved horses, and particularly Warrior. It was written whilst Warrior was still alive, and includes comments from many who were associated with this remarkable beast. He was a truly amazing horse, with an almost unbelievable personality.
How he survived the whole four and a half of years of World War One, when an estimated million horses were killed in that war, is incredible. He had shells and bulidings and earth drop on him. A horse that he was nose to nose with was shot, and he hardly flinched. He led a charge near Amiens, which could have been regarded as a turning point in the war.
Despite the descriptions of major events leading up to WW1, through the war, and beyond into the forties, I found this much more interesting than very exciting. It was akin to enhancements to a personal journal of the aritocratic British leader that General Seely was. It seemed to be written for himself and his family.
One of the most interesting points that General Seely made was that he thought that there would neve come a time when horses were "the most important element of modern warfare," and that the planners should always make sure of an adequatesupply of horses in time of war."
What would he have to say in this world of drones and guided missiles?
This is a fascinating book, and I recommend it.
February 25, 2019
The story really is amazing, but could've been told better.
June 23, 2019
Beautiful and touching true story of such a gallant war horse and rider. Very moving and evocative - very much more down to earth than the equally brilliant film inspired by Warrior's duties.
July 2, 2025
It's been a few years since I've really been able to enjoy horses again. This book, particularly the ending, reminded me why I love horses. The deep love and affection shared by Warrior and General Jack Seely, through the most hellish circumstance known to mankind, brought tears to my eyes. How did I lose that affection? Can I ever regain it?
It reminded me of the courageous souls horses can possess. Not every one, but some. I pray that one day I can experience the same deep affection for a horse these two characters shared.
It reminded me of the courageous souls horses can possess. Not every one, but some. I pray that one day I can experience the same deep affection for a horse these two characters shared.
August 6, 2018
I visited Mottistone (a National Trust property) on the Isle of Wight a few weeks ago. It's a beautiful place and in the church opposite the property I saw that Lord Mottistone (Jack Seely) had written a book about his horse Warrior who lived a lucky and long life.
I bought the book online from 'World of Books'. It's a charming true story of a man and his horse and the amazing bond they had. A must for any animal lover.
I bought the book online from 'World of Books'. It's a charming true story of a man and his horse and the amazing bond they had. A must for any animal lover.
October 25, 2017
A First World War anniversary edition originally printed in 1934. This is a very interesting story of a historical and famous warhorse. The illustrations are by Munnings and anyone who knows horses at all knows that name and his famous artwork. Not great literature but certainly worth the read for its historical aspect.
March 6, 2020
A clearly devoted owner, but the style is that of an older generation - so a little odd and stilted in places, as well as overly fawning at times. Sometimes too much on the war operations and not much on the horse, and what there was about Warrior could be very very gushing. It took quite a while for me to plod through this, and it’s a short book.
May 26, 2019
Really interesting read but to me felt it was written very long winded
March 15, 2025
A charming little book about a man and his horse.
June 7, 2021
An easy to read account of the war and the part that horses, and in particular this horse, Warrior, played in it. Also a record of the life of a horse and the people involved. You don't have to be interested in horses to enjoy this book.
April 27, 2012
You can love horses, but not believe that they have near-human intelligence or soul. But you can't believe this after reading this book, by a manly English army general on intimate terms with his equine comrade at arms. Even if you aren't interested in horses, it's an exciting battle by battle retelling of World War I, reading much like a boys own adventure book - which makes it all the more remarkable for the depth of love and sensitivity shown towards the book's subject. Highly recommended.
July 14, 2012
The story is told simply in an easy style. The recollection of historical events is personal rather than detailed. What comes over most is the author's empathy with and a love of horses and his admiration for this one horse in particular (though I think Warrior's mother, Cinderella, was one of the great loves of his life). One thing I did note was that the horror of the war is largely missing; eight million horses died in World War 1. But the book is about Warrior and is worth reading.
March 29, 2012
Ok there is always the movie 'War Horse' which is pretty awesome, but this is the 'non Hollywood' version of the real War Horse.
These animals served with such courage and I can only say that if you love horses, and want to read about the loyalty these wonderful animals showed to their 'owners' in exceptional and very dangerous circumstances, then please give this a read.
These animals served with such courage and I can only say that if you love horses, and want to read about the loyalty these wonderful animals showed to their 'owners' in exceptional and very dangerous circumstances, then please give this a read.
November 19, 2013
Interesting book, written by a British General born in the early 20th century. As a horse lover, I wish Seely would have included more details about Warrior's training and the way horses were cared for at that time, and during battle. But, no point wishing for the impossible. A very easy read, and a remarkable story.
November 29, 2013
This book details the life of a horse (Warrior) that survived frontline action in World War One.
The writing is staid / lifeless and a bit pompous, but the details of Warrior’s life are quite interesting.
The writing is staid / lifeless and a bit pompous, but the details of Warrior’s life are quite interesting.
June 17, 2015
Great book. Hadn't known much of WWI history so the book was a little confusing at some places, but a good story and storyline. Not a gripper, but an enjoyable read with a true backdrop. I'd suggest this to any horse book lovers.
December 31, 2011
Very moving story about the relationship between horse and man during war. A wonderful read and it also talks about Canadian involvement in some key battles during WWI.
April 22, 2012
Moving true story of a brave horse and his owner who survived the atrocities of the great war. I loved it.
May 4, 2012
Truly excellent
July 24, 2012
Man he loved his horse, was nice to read a bit of fiction and retrace a bit of history only got a 4 from book club.
December 21, 2016
Interesting but would have benefitted from having an experienced author.
March 14, 2014
loved it
April 26, 2016
Beautiful story.
November 5, 2020
A great book about an extraordinary animal in extraordinary circumstances.
July 19, 2018
This book is amazing, it truly shows that without horses we would never have won the war. The relationship between warrior and jack is an incredible one and one that hopefully won’t be forgotten. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes reading true stories and stories about animals !
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews