War horse Bess to be remembered

Fred MacDonald supplied pic. The construction of the memorial for Bess with Grandfather's son Peter in the back ground.

The war horse Bess will again be the centre of attention at an Anzac Day commemoration near Bulls next Friday.

Bess was one of only four Kiwi horses that returned to New Zealand at the end of World War I and lived on the Flock House agricultural college farm until she died in 1934.

A cairn was erected in her memory and it's at that site on Forest Rd where the commemorative service will be held, starting at 9am.

Fred Macdonald, president of the Friends Of Bess group, said the special service was the only one in the world they were aware of held specifically in respect of horses and people who served the country during World War I.

Colonel Charles Guy Powles, then superintendent at Flock House, owned Bess and rode her daily when he inspected the farm.

"During a daily ride on October 20, 1934, Bess suffered a brain haemorrhage and died almost immediately. The colonel buried her where she collapsed and had a memorial cairn erected as a mark of respect for a truly remarkable horse," Mr Macdonald said.

"This year marks the centennial of the start of World War 1 and many events are being held to celebrate this anniversary. The service for Bess is registered as one of these," he said.

Michael Powles, the colonel's grandson, will be among the guests at next Friday's service, as will the Colonel's 1928 Sunbeam Talbot. The Friends of Bess will be holding a three-day horse trek from a woolshed in Forest Rd and riders from around the North Island have registered.

Mr Macdonald said the Friends will be holding a morning tea for all attending the service at the woolshed.

The Bulls Museum had set up a static display about Bess.