Military Service Recognition Book 92 Horses are such absolutely amazing and magical creatures. Powerful and majestic, yet surprisingly gentle, they enrich our lives and make the world a better place. They are one of the only living links to the long past Ice Age and throughout the eons, they have partnered with humans, whether in war or in peace. Horses represent power, grace and elegance and through our association with them, we humans are all the better for it. This page is dedicated to the memory of all of the horses that have served in the Canadian military and paramilitary services and were injured or killed while on duty. For example, during the first world war between 1914 and 1918, hundreds of thousands of horses were sent overseas by Canadian military services and only a very few survived to return home. Although not set in Canada, the story of “Joey” of “War Horse” fame provided a very insightful view of the very difficult and traumatic circumstances that confronted the horses in the midst of war. It is particularly important for the readers to understand that as a non-human species, horses have no choice in whether to serve or not. Yet they served willingly, with great heart and courage. Horses used by paramilitary organizations such a by police services, face many challenges, similar to those horses that had been used by the military of yesteryear. Ontarians will remember one such very special individual, who had been a part of the Toronto Police Service Mounted Unit. Tall and handsome, Belgian-Cross “Brigadier”, was a member of that unit. Brigadier was the epitome of a unique combination of courage and outgoing calmness. On February 24, 2006, a hit and run driver deliberately ran his car at the mounted officer and struck the horse, mortally injuring Brigadier, who had to be humanely euthanized at the scene. It was because “Brig” took the brunt of such a brutal assault, that he saved the life of Constable Kevin Bradfield, who although seriously injured, survived. A very moving memorial service was held on March 6, 2006 at the Coliseum located in the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto and was attended by several thousand people. Brigadier and others of his kind, continue to serve and have left their hoof prints on the paths of history and upon our human hearts. Brigadier 1997-2006 Photo by Anne de Haas Brigadier & Constable Kevin Bradfield - his human partner Enjoying a refreshing trot in the early morning Photo by Anne de Haas H. A. Balmer Consulting (Research Advocacy & Information Network) P.O. Box 943 Uxbridge, Ontario L9P 1N3
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