HERO HORSES OF NEW ZEALAND, GREAT WAR 1914-1918
- angelogeorge988
- Apr 9
- 22 min read
Updated: Apr 11
Summary: 10,000 horses at war. Acquisition and selection. Wellington military stables. Veterinary hospital. Transport by sea. Losses. Campaigns in Samoa, Egypt, Sinai and Gallipoli. Transfer to France and the western front. Horses or camels? Difficult terrain. The impact of winter. Surviving horses. Four to return home. Bess and her story. Epilogue.
During the First World War, New Zealand supplied over 10.000 horses in support of military operations conducted by the Expeditionary Forces, particularly for the Mounted Rifles Brigade and other allied units deployed in the Middle East and on the Western Front. These horses, known as Walers, were valued for their hardiness and endurance in challenging climatic and geographic conditions, proving indispensable in tasks such as troop transport, artillery haulage, and logistical supply in areas inaccessible to motorised vehicles. Between 1914 and 1916, New Zealand authorities were able to procure this equine contingent without major difficulties, reflecting both the availability and quality of locally bred stock. In 1914, New Zealand’s horse population was estimated at approximately 400,000, of which around 50,000 were considered suitable for military use—either as riding horses or for draught purposes (McGibbon, 2000, p. 473). The majority of these animals were deployed to operational theatres, and the maritime transport mortality rate remained surprisingly low—around 3%—despite significant logistical challenges and the considerable length of voyages (Cunningham, 1921, p. 118). This efficiency speaks not only to the professionalism of the military veterinary system but also to the rigorous standards imposed during the selection and care processes.
The Procurement and Selection of Horses for the War Front
The recruitment of horses for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force was coordinated by livestock inspectors from the Department of Agriculture, who applied strict selection criteria, excluding animals that did not meet the physical and behavioural standards required for military service. Purchase prices varied according to intended use: £17 (approximately NZD 2,500 today) for cavalry horses, and £24 (around NZD 3,500) for those used in artillery or transport (McGibbon, 2000, p. 472). In addition to government acquisitions, civilian contributions were significant, with approximately 1,400 horses donated—more than 1,300 of which were deemed fit for service. In some instances, soldiers were permitted to bring their own horses to the front, provided the animals passed official military inspection and were then formally purchased and assigned back to their original owners (Evening Post, 10 November 1914, p. 6).
Classification and Training
Following selection, horses were sent to reception centres where they underwent further assessment and were assigned according to ability: thoroughbreds for cavalry units, draught horses (light or heavy) for artillery, and transport horses for supply operations in rugged terrain. Each horse was marked with official identifiers and registered—a measure intended to ensure traceability and effective management on the front (Cunningham, 1921, p. 115). This methodical organisation reflects a large-scale logistical effort and a clear institutional vision of the role of animals in modern warfare.
The Military Stable at Upper Hutt
At the outset of the conflict, horses destined for the war effort were housed in temporary centres in Palmerston North, Christchurch, and Dunedin. However, the primary military stable was established in October 1914 at Upper Hutt, strategically chosen for its proximity to the railway station—where horses were unloaded—and to the Hutt River, where they were taken three times daily to drink. The intense activity at this depot drew the attention of locals, as reported by the Evening Post: “Time and again, the sound of hooves pounding the earth disturbs the slumber of Upper Hutt residents, whether before midnight or shortly after dawn” (Evening Post, 22 March 1916, p. 4).
Equine Care and the Veterinary Hospital
The care of sick or wounded animals was carried out at a “veterinary hospital” operating within the Wallaceville Research Laboratory, established in 1904 as the national centre for animal health diagnostics and research (New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 1952, vol. 1, p. 3). In 1916, due to wartime transport restrictions, the Defence Department ceased overseas shipments of horses, redirecting the New Zealand Army’s supply to resources within the British Empire.
As a result, the activity of the military stables was gradually reduced, with operations moved to the Wallaceville laboratory’s farm, and later, in April 1918, relocated to Tauherenīkau beyond the Remutaka Ranges. This impressive logistical operation, which provided thousands of horses for the front, represents a significant chapter in New Zealand’s participation in the First World War (McGibbon, The Oxford Companion to New Zealand Military History, 2000, p. 473).
Deployment and Overseas Transport of Horses
The horses selected for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) were deployed across all operational theatres involving New Zealand: German Samoa, the Gallipoli Peninsula, the Middle East, and the Western Front. More than half were used as mounts for cavalry units and officers, while approximately 4,000 were assigned as draught and pack animals—vital for transporting artillery and supplies across terrain often unsuitable for mechanised movement (McGibbon, 2000, p. 473). Maritime transport was directed primarily to Egypt, which served as the strategic hub for New Zealand’s military operations in the Middle East. The first and largest shipment, consisting of about 4,000 horses, accompanied the NZEF Main Body in October 1914. Smaller shipments—ranging between 300 and 1,000 animals—continued periodically until the end of 1916, when a shortage of suitable shipping tonnage led to the suspension of further transports (Evening Post, 12 December 1916, p. 7). The largest single shipment was recorded aboard HMNZT Orari, which carried 728 horses in one voyage—a logistical record for New Zealand’s war efforts. Animal care during these weeks-long voyages was entrusted to trained soldiers, supervised by officers from the New Zealand Veterinary Corps. The presence of such specialised personnel proved crucial in maintaining a low mortality rate despite the poor sanitary and climatic conditions on board (Cunningham, 1921, p. 119).
Improvements to Transport Conditions and Maritime Losses
Lessons learned during the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902) had a considerable impact on the planning of horse transport during the First World War. In response to earlier logistical shortcomings, military authorities introduced a series of improvements aboard transport vessels: enhanced ventilation systems, better hygiene standards, enlarged stalls for each animal, and the standardisation of feeding and watering routines (McGibbon, 2000, p. 474). These measures not only reduced physiological stress among the horses but also ensured they remained fit for service immediately upon disembarkation—a critical factor in theatres where mobility was essential. Nevertheless, losses at sea were not entirely avoidable, with respiratory illnesses, especially pneumonia, accounting for most deaths (Cunningham, 1921, p. 122). As per standard procedures, carcasses were thrown overboard—often at night—to avoid alerting enemy forces to convoy positions. Like the soldiers they accompanied, New Zealand horses crossed oceans, endured harsh conditions, and directly contributed to the war effort, occupying a quiet yet profoundly symbolic place in the nation’s military history.
Samoa 1914
In contrast to the vast majority of horses sent to Egypt or Europe, a relatively small number—141 animals—were shipped to Samoa, reflecting the specific and limited needs of the local garrison. The first 25 horses accompanied the NZEF Advance Party in August 1914, as part of the operation to seize German Samoa. The remainder arrived in successive waves until the end of 1916, to support the Relief Force that had replaced the original detachment (McGibbon, 2000, p. 474). The presence of horses, alongside the use of bicycles, increased troop mobility in a territory with limited road infrastructure. However, the need to supplement the original stock—including 20 animals sent in November 1916—arose from the unsuitability of some horses for military service and from unexpected events, such as local stallions mounting New Zealand mares during patrols.
Tactical and Logistical Uses
Although all horses were officially classified as riding animals, their roles varied. Most served as mounts for soldiers and officers, while others were assigned to pull vehicles—carts, trucks, and even ambulances. In some cases, horses were used to transport meat or reassigned as pack animals within the Machine Gun Section.
Samoa’s tropical climate placed pressure on the physical resilience of the animals. A local condition known as "tona" was frequently reported—a hoof disease described by one garrison soldier as causing “a large, unsightly wound, rendering the horse immobile” (New Zealand Archives, Veterinary Reports of the Great War). This ailment regularly affected the unit, with at least one animal consistently removed from service for this reason.
Other causes of losses included colic, accidents (including kicks between animals), advanced age, and general physical weakness. Such animals were either sold or removed from active service. Four foals born in Samoa to New Zealand mares were also sold, deemed unfit for military use. By the end of the conflict, the garrison in Samoa maintained 108 active horses—a figure that reflects both the sacrifice and adaptability of these animals in a lesser-known chapter of New Zealand’s wartime contribution in the Pacific.
New Zealand Horses at Gallipoli and in the Middle East
In the early years of the war, most of the horses sent from New Zealand experienced a relatively quiet period, spending several months in Egypt, where they underwent rest, acclimatisation, and training. Unlike those deployed to Samoa, these horses were being prepared to accompany troops on major fronts, particularly in the Middle East and, for a time, at Gallipoli.
In April 1915, a small number of draught horses were sent to Gallipoli alongside artillery and transport units. However, the rugged terrain and harsh climate proved unsuitable for their use. Only a few animals were landed; most remained on ships or were quickly returned to Egypt. When the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade was deployed to Gallipoli in May 1915, it fought as infantry, with the horses left behind in Egypt.
In a 1915 letter, Captain Henry Avery, commander of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force Transport Division, described the logistical adjustments: “We soon discovered, upon landing in Turkey, that our transport was entirely unsuited to the terrain… All vehicles, horses, and donkeys were thus returned to Egypt. In fact, very little was disembarked, as there was insufficient space and the landing places were too small to be obstructed by transport not immediately required. The issue of water supply also influenced the decision, as provisions were limited and animals numerous.” Ultimately, donkeys—including those brought from India—replaced horse-drawn transport. They were better suited to the peninsula's demanding conditions and could carry water, ammunition, and supplies either on their backs or in light carts.
Some artillery pieces were landed at Gallipoli and a few horses remained. Yet heavy equipment such as field guns had to be manually hauled up steep inclines. For instance, the 2nd Battery found it impossible to use horses to move guns to the summit of Plugge’s Plateau: “A working party of several hundred infantrymen was employed to construct a road… [T]he track was ready by evening for the guns to be moved. Horses couldn’t be used on those vertical slopes, so, with long ropes and a hundred strong men pulling in unison, the guns were simply hauled up to the plateau.” Lieutenant J.R. Byrne, New Zealand Artillery on the Western Front 1914–18 (1922), pp. 29–30.
The 1st Battery’s guns were similarly manhandled up Walker’s Ridge to Russell’s Top. Despite their limited role, some horses became casualties at Gallipoli. Two were injured during early attempts to position the 1st Battery’s guns. One of them, Finnigan, an artillery horse said to have been wounded twice at Anzac Cove, was later killed on the Western Front. In an imagined conversation between transport animals, written by a New Zealand officer in 1916, a light draught horse recalls his “first taste of war” at Gallipoli: “I came from New Zealand with the NZ Artillery, and Gallipoli—or the Peninsula, as we call it—was my first taste of war… For three months our lines were under constant shellfire, and I often saw a mate go down while peacefully feeding. We didn’t have much to do as artillery horses there, as there wasn’t much room, and most of the work was done by donkeys, because scaling cliffs wasn’t really our job.” The Press, 28 November 1916, p. 8.
Horse Care in Egypt
While operations were ongoing at Gallipoli, New Zealand horses were being carefully tended at camps in Egypt, especially Zeitoun near Cairo. Here, farriers, drivers, and local workers cared for the animals under the supervision of the New Zealand Veterinary Corps. Thanks to systematic prevention and treatment efforts, horse losses during this period were minimal. In a December 1915 report, Colonel Charles Reakes, Director of Veterinary Services and Remounts, noted that only 1.5% of New Zealand’s horses in Egypt had been lost since their arrival—an impressive figure in a challenging military context (Reakes, 1915).
Return of the Horses to Their Units
At the end of 1915 and the start of 1916, following the Gallipoli withdrawal, horses were returned to the units that had initially brought them to Egypt. After nearly nine months apart, soldiers were overjoyed to be reunited with the animals that had accompanied them on earlier missions. In The History of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, Colonel C.G. Powles described the troops’ excitement at finding their horses in excellent condition, having been well looked after in Zeitoun: “It was nearly nine months since officers and men had last seen their horses, and all discussions about returning to Egypt revolved around: ‘Will the horses still be at Zeitoun? Will they be fit to ride?’ As soon as we caught sight of the well-cared-for horse lines, sheltered from the sun, we knew all was well. The joy was immense when the men discovered their horses were in splendid form… It was truly a pleasure to see the delighted faces of those who recognised their beloved mounts.” Despite the care given to the horses, the soldiers—having endured the brutal Gallipoli campaign—were in far worse shape. Many were suffering from malnutrition, fatigue, and various physical ailments. Even those who had escaped injury arrived back in Egypt weakened and exhausted. Such hardships are well documented in contemporary accounts. Nevertheless, the New Zealand Mounted Rifles units were quickly restored. Their horses—tended with great dedication by veterinary teams and local staff at Zeitoun—were vital for the units’ renewed operational readiness. Colonel Charles Reakes emphasised the importance of equine care, stating that horses played a key role in maintaining morale: “Horses are an essential part of our success, and the soldiers’ confidence in them was one of their greatest sources of motivation. Proper care of the horses was crucial for ensuring the continued success of our operations.” (Reakes, Annual Report of the NZEF Veterinary Services). Despite the difficult conditions, horses proved essential in the rapid reconstitution of units and in ongoing operations in the Middle East. Upon their return to Egypt, they were used efficiently for transport, resupply, and rapid mobilisation.
Horse Transfers to France and Continued Service in the Middle East
In April 1916, as the New Zealand Division prepared to deploy to France, a significant number of horses and donkeys were transported from Egypt to support new military operations. Nearly 3,000 “animals”—the vast majority of them horses—were included in this transfer, accompanying New Zealand troops to the Western Front. There, they played a crucial role in maintaining mobility and supply lines, continuing the tradition of horses as essential wartime transport. At the same time, another large contingent of horses remained in the Middle East, assigned to the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade (NZMR). The NZMR had been separated from the main New Zealand forces and incorporated into a new military formation, the ANZAC Mounted Division, which also included Australian Light Horse brigades and Royal Horse Artillery batteries. This force was central to New Zealand’s war effort in the Middle East, with horses playing a vital role in the Sinai and Palestine campaigns.
Kiwi Soldiers and Their Horses
In his recollections of the New Zealand Division’s experiences, Sergeant (William) Ernest McKinlay described his unexpected assignment to care for horses during the journey from Egypt to France aboard the Minnewaska, which carried 1,732 officers and men, and 468 animals: “Knowing absolutely nothing about horses—and being a rather poor sailor—I was put in charge of the horse picket. That’s how it goes in the army. And so it was that I, who had never been inside a stable and was somewhat afraid of horses, ended up patrolling every night, caring for seasick animals, helping them back to their feet, and ensuring none remained lying on the deck.” After arriving in Marseille in southern France, the horses were transported north by train. Those who had cared for them during the long voyage came to appreciate the assignment, which offered privacy and a rare opportunity to relax. One anonymous correspondent for The Press wrote: “I was placed on horse picket (two men per carriage). At first, I didn’t like it at all, but it turned out to be the best part of the entire journey. The horse wagons were far more comfortable than those for men… The doors opened on both sides, giving us a beautiful view of the countryside, and at night we simply laid down a bale of hay, made a bed like in camp, and slept well…”
This is a description of an incident from August 1917, when the 2nd Battalion, Wellington Regiment and Machine Gun Company 1 lost many of their horses when their transport lines were bombed. The resulting carnage is described in The Wellington Regiment (pp. 204-205):
“At around 2 a.m. on August 11, bombs were dropped on the transport lines of the 2nd Battalion and Machine Gun Company 1, whose animals were gathered near Kortepyp. The effect was disastrous. Thirty-three horses and mules from the 2nd Battalion were either killed or had to be shot. Another four animals were injured, including Colonel Cunningham’s horse, Queenie, which was wounded in the chest.
In addition, Machine Gun Company 1 lost over fifty animals... The spread of explosive bombs was very low, and the animals that were killed had most of their legs severed. After the explosion, only the long moans of the unfortunate animals followed, then the sound of their chains and the dull thuds as they fell. Among the lost horses were the two draft horses of the 2nd Battalion. The scene was one of agony, and it took several days to clear the chaos.”
Horses Near the End of the War
Due to the resilience and superior quality of New Zealand’s horses, along with the sustained efforts of New Zealand veterinarians, a significant number of the "original" horses remained in service until the end of the conflict. Terry Kinloch highlights that by the end of the war, the NZMR Brigade had nearly 2,500 horses, most of which were sourced locally (Kinloch, 1997, p. 153). Additionally, by the start of the 1917 Palestine campaign, over 1,000 "original" horses were still in service with the NZMR Brigade, and New Zealand horses were also present in attached units. In April 1916, when the New Zealand Division left Egypt to join the front in France, over 3,000 animals— including horses and mules—were transported, most of which were New Zealand-born and assigned to the Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury Mounted Rifles regiments, which remained in the Middle East as part of the new ANZAC Cavalry Division (McGibbon, 2014, p. 533).
Use of Horses on the Western Front
On the Western Front, cavalry horses, draught horses, artillery horses, and transport horses were used to move heavy equipment and ammunition, contributing to maintaining the supply chain in a highly static environment (McGibbon, 2014, p. 536). Specifically, the troops and officers of the New Zealand Division used cavalry horses for rapid movements, while the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment, which had the largest number of horses, was able to maintain its equine force and use them in cavalry missions such as reconnaissance and supply line surveillance. Christopher Pugsley notes that although the role of cavalry on the Western Front was limited by the static nature of the trenches, certain units, such as those from Otago, used horses for dismounted tasks like trench digging and ammunition retrieval, and especially at the Battle of Messines in June 1917, they were used for reconnaissance and supply supervision (Pugsley, 2004, p. 211).
Challenges on the Western Front
The terrain conditions on the Western Front posed a major challenge for horses, significantly affecting the efficiency of logistics operations. Deep mud, shell holes, and damaged roads slowed progress. For example, during the Battle of the Somme in September 1916, moving equipment took hours, even when a team of twenty horses was used for each gun (McGibbon, 2014, p. 540). In many situations, terrain difficulties forced artillery crews to move heavy pieces manually or rely on mechanical transport as an alternative. In contrast, during the Battle of Messines, a light railway was used, allowing for the efficient transport of ammunition forward (Pugsley, 2004, p. 218).
Winter’s Impact on Horses
The winters in France, especially the one from 1916–1917, exacerbated the situation. The high humidity and intense mud drastically reduced access to food, water, and shelter. Extreme environmental conditions caused a general weakening of the horses, making them more vulnerable to disease. Local witnesses stated that the winter of 1916–1917 was the harshest in forty years, highlighting the severe impact of climatic conditions on equine forces (McGibbon, 2014, p. 543).
Massive Losses
The war exacted significant losses, and the horses were constantly exposed to dangers, including injuries, bomb explosions, artillery fire, and air attacks. At the Battle of Messines, for instance, the Otago Regiment lost eight horses, and thirty-two animals were injured (Pugsley, 2004, p. 221). The process of replacing the horses took place through military stables, and to compensate for losses, horses from North America were used. By the end of the war, the New Zealand Division had around 4,500 animals (horses and mules), though it remains unclear how many of them were "original" New Zealand horses. However, New Zealand horses were recognized for their superior quality and were highly valued by soldiers because of their resilience and adaptability in extreme combat conditions.
Fate of New Zealand Horses
Of the 10,000 horses purchased between 1914 and 1916, very few returned to New Zealand. Most of the animals died overseas due to diseases and injuries sustained in the harsh conditions of the war fronts. Of the few that survived, only four managed to return home, a situation explained by the acute lack of transport and the quarantine restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of animal diseases in foreign affairs (McGibbon, 2014, p. 540). For the surviving horses, their subsequent fate varied. Many were killed, sold, or used by the British Army. In the case of the horses sent to German Samoa, they remained allocated to the garrison until its departure at the end of 1919 – early 1920. Later, the garrison was replaced by a New Zealand constabulary force, which included mounted police units. The remaining 90 horses were handed over to the new force, but their poor condition limited their usefulness, and many were subsequently sold on the local market. By the end of 1920, when responsibility for the horses was transferred to the Samoan administration, few were still in service (Kinloch, 1997, p. 168).
Return to Gallipoli and the Fate of the Horses in the Middle East
At the end of 1918, the Canterbury Mounted Rifles unit temporarily returned to the Gallipoli Peninsula, bringing with it approximately 80 horses designated for transportation and cavalry duties. Upon the conclusion of the conflict, the horses that had served in the Middle East were gathered at the Imperial Military Stables, where initially only the strongest horses were kept. Those deemed still fit for work were later sold locally, while animals considered injured or weak were euthanized—a decision supported by some military-veterinary voices who were concerned that locals might neglect or mistreat the animals (McGibbon, 2014, p. 537). The number of horses kept at the Imperial Military Stables exceeded the needs of the occupying army in Egypt, and logistical problems—lack of proper transportation and quarantine restrictions—prevented the majority of the horses from being repatriated to New Zealand. Thus, most of the animals initially retained were later euthanised or sold locally.
Dora Spencer from Tolaga Bay wrote to the authorities several times starting in early 1916, requesting the return of "her favorite riding mare" from Egypt. The authorities responded that "no horse" could be repatriated from Egypt due to the risk of disease introduction. However, they reassured her, stating that her mare would not be abandoned at the end of the war: "There is very little danger of your mare being mistreated, as at the end of the war, all horses will be placed in a military stable and redistributed to the Army, where it is very likely she will spend her days in peace." A New Zealand horse that successfully made it back home was Bess, sent to France in October 1918 (Kinloch, 1997, p. 170). The situation was somewhat different for the horses of the New Zealand Division in France. They were gathered similarly to the British Army’s horses, and although some were killed or sold, the chances of repatriation were much higher. Of the 400,000 British Army horses in France, about 100,000 were returned to England. Among them were four New Zealand horses—including Bess—which were repatriated to New Zealand in 1920 (McGibbon, 2014, p. 542). Bess had served on the front lines in the campaigns in Egypt, Sinai, Palestine, France, and Germany.
Bess' Memorial
The four repatriated horses—Beauty (Captain Richard Riddiford's), Bess (Captain Charles Powles'), Dolly (General Sir Andrew Russell's), and Black (Lieutenant Colonel George King's)—represent an important symbol of the connection between war experiences and the return to normality. In the early stages of demobilization, General Russell emphasized the importance of bringing home "a few" horses from the New Zealand Division, highlighting the sentimental and historical value of these animals, now carrying memories of a prolonged war (Kinloch, 1997, p. 172). The final list of repatriated horses included Beauty, Bess, and Dolly, who had left with the NZEF Main Body in 1914, as well as King's horse, which was sent in either 1915 or 1916. These four horses were repatriated from France in March 1919 and underwent a 12-month quarantine before arriving in New Zealand in July 1920 (McGibbon, 2014, p. 545).
Legacy
Today, the story of New Zealand war horses is commemorated through a series of monuments and ANZAC ceremonies, preserving the memory of their essential contributions to the war effort. A notable example is the Bess Memorial in Bulls, New Zealand, which serves not only as a tribute to the animals that fought alongside soldiers but also as a symbol of the sacrifices made on the battlefields and the resilience in the face of adversity. The legacy of these horses transcends their mere presence on the front lines—they reflect a profound commitment to loyalty, courage, and perseverance, which was as significant in military history as the efforts of humans. Through current commemorations, both present and future generations are reminded that sacrifices were not reserved solely for soldiers but also included the animals that shared their lives and dangers. Thus, the memory of New Zealand horses remains an emotional testament to the unbreakable bond between man and animal, with official recognition continuing to honor their courage and dedication—a vital part of New Zealand's national and military heritage.
Repatriation of the 4 Hero Horses
The horses were repatriated to England in March 1919 and underwent a 12-month quarantine. It is believed that Bess even participated in a victory parade in Britain. The horses returned to New Zealand in July 1920. After the war, Bess became the model for a sculpture of an injured horse from New Zealand, placed on a monument dedicated to the ANZAC Cavalry at Port Said, Egypt. This statue was destroyed during the Suez Crisis of 1956, but replicas were made and erected in Albany, Western Australia, and in Canberra.
Bess, after the war
Bess continued to accompany Powles upon his return to New Zealand, while he served as the commander at Trentham and later as the director at Flock House, an agricultural training school for war veterans' dependents. Bess had several foals and died on land near Flock House in 1934. Powles buried her at Flock House and erected a monument in memory of his beloved horse.
Sources:
New Zealand Archives. Veterinary Reports from World War I, Samoa Detachment, 1914–1918.
Cunningham, W. H. New Zealanders at Gallipoli. Whitcombe and Tombs, 1921.
The ANZAC Cavalry Division and the Battle for Palestine (C. J. McCarthy, 1989).
Evening Post, Wellington. November 10, 1914, p. 6.
Kinloch, T. New Zealand Mounted Rifles in the Great War. Wellington: Reed Publishing, 1997.
McGibbon, I. (ed.). The Oxford Companion to New Zealand Military History. Oxford Press, 2000.
McGibbon, J.A. Official History of New Zealand in the First World War. Oxford Press, 2014.
Moore, A.B. Observations on the Resistance of Draft Horses in Desert Conditions. Wellington: New Zealand Military Press, 1918.
Powles, C.G. History of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles.
Pugsley, C. At the Edge of War: New Zealand in the Great War. Auckland: Viking, 2004.
Reakes, C. Annual Report of NZEF Veterinary Services.
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photos, Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Maughan, R.J. New Zealand Mounted Rifles: A History of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade in the Great War 1914–1918. 1959.
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