Workhorse to Dreamhorse

The major contribution made by horses to New Zealand’s development is investigated in this Bryan Bruce documentary – from the first to arrive (a stallion brought by missionary Samuel Marsden in 1814) to equestrian gold medallists and sires of Melbourne Cup winners in more recent years. This excerpt features extensive archive footage of some of the 10,000 horses sent to Europe and the Middle East during World War I (with only four returning); and talks to one of the last milk vendors to use a horse and cart (only retired with very mixed feelings in 1984).

As the tanks rolled on to the battlefield at the end of World War I, it became clear that this would be the last war in which the horse would play any significant role.

– From the film's narration

Key Cast & Crew

Mary-Jo Tohill

Director

Bryan Bruce

Writer, Director, Producer, Editor

Paul Chattington

Sound Recordist, Sound Recordist

Ian Leslie

Sound Mix

Jan McKinlay

Sound Recordist

Len Potts

Narrator