Brooksby College recognises service animals in moving Remembrance Day ceremony

Brooksby College, part of the wider Loughborough College Group, held their annual Remembrance Day service this week, paying tribute and honouring the men, women, and animals who served and lost their lives during times of conflict.

Staff, students, and a group of horses and staff dogs from the onsite kennels and stables attended the moving ceremony at the College’s dedicated Indoor Equestrian School – conducted by former Head of Student Services and Lecturer, Malcolm Britton.

In his speech to the gathered attendees, Malcolm reflected on the sacrifices of the many animals who stood alongside service men and women in war, sharing: “They carried soldiers, pulled guns and supplies, delivered messages, and offered comfort in the most difficult circumstances. Today, as we care for and work alongside animals every day, may we also honour those who served beside people in war – and never forget their courage, loyalty, and sacrifice.”

Level 2 Animal Care students Bella Blockey and Katy Bell then delivered a reading of the Royal British Legion’s ‘What is Remembrance?’, followed by a recital of John McCrae’s ‘In Flanders Fields’ by Level 1 Land Based Studies student Evie Durney and Level 2 Animal Care student Evie Harvey-Harris, before beginning the two-minute silence at 11am.

Renowned as Leicestershire’s only specialist Land-based college, Brooksby College features a working livestock and arable farm, alongside a British Horse Society Approved Riding and Equestrian Centre, and an extensive Animal Studies Centre, making the dedication to service animals especially poignant.

Addressing the students enrolled in animal-based studies, Malcolm’s speech continued: “You who are based here at Hives Farm, specialising in Animal Care or Equine studies, will understand the trust, care, and partnership between people and animals. That makes their wartime service especially meaningful to us.”

The service concluded with the laying of three wreaths – two purple to represent service animals – by College Governor, Peter Hooper, Vice Principal for Quality and Learner Services, Lucy Howes, and Brooksby College Principal, James Fryer.

The ceremony was one of three hosted across Loughborough College Group, with events held at the organisation’s Loughborough College and Stephenson College campuses.