The project engaged volunteer researchers to uncover the brutal facts behind the drafting of millions of horses, donkeys and mules into the war effort.

The resulting exhibition, which included the puppet horse ‘Joey’ from the National Theatre production War Horse, as well as dramatic paintings of horses in action from artists such as Alfred Munnings and Lucy Kemp-Welch, also uncovered the harsh effects that losing thousands of animals to the war effort had on local Surrey farming communities and businesses that relied on horses for transport.

Volunteers were trained in a range of skills including curation, interpreting old documents and cataloguing information.

Marilyn Scott, Director, said: “Horse at War was one of our most popular exhibitions. The work of our volunteer heritage team in focussing on the role of animals during the First World War was an integral part of the success of the exhibition.

"So many people had no idea how crucial horses were in the war effort and the interest and compassion for their role from our visitors was quite amazing.”