Posted: 19th May 2016 | Back to news feed
Mirrors for Training is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Free
Spirit Memorial, a life-size bronze statue that will provide a tribute to the
thousands of horses that have served mankind during the course of history and
today.
The statue by Georgie Welch will eventually be placed at the National Memorial
Arboretum in Staffordshire. This is the only animal memorial that the NMA has
allowed in its grounds and has been approved by the Centenary Programme WW1
2014-2018. The statue will commemorate horses that have served in wars and
work, but also those that help to educate and provide pleasure for able bodied,
sick and disabled people.
“Free Spirit will become a place for reflection and remembrance of horses in
war, industry, sport and leisure,” said Andrea Miles, Managing Director of
Mirrors for Training. “All of our Mirrors for Training equestrian customers are
passionate about their horses, as are we. They’re incredibly special animals
that show bravery, loyalty and provide amazing companionship. When the
opportunity came up to support this excellent cause, we knew we wanted to get
involved and help make it a reality.”
Fundraising is currently taking place to raise the £90,000 needed to commission
the sculptor to create the piece. So far, the project has raised funds for the
memorial using donations from businesses, private individuals, and people and
groups who have held fundraising events. A song has also been written by
Dominic Malin to help raise further money.
“Free Spirit is a memorial to how horses benefit people,” said Tracy Francis
from the Free Spirit Memorial. “Without taking sides of judging on their
ability, a horse brings out the best by giving unconditionally to its
companion.
“The project is reaching the inner city groups of people who have never thought
about the role of the horses in the past and present. It will also leave a
legacy to future generations through the memorial and through scholarships to
support young people who wish to enter the equine industry but don’t have the
funds available.”
To find out more about the Free Spirit Memorial, see www.freespiritmemorial.co.uk. To find out more
about Mirrors for Training, see www.mirrorsfortraining.co.uk or call 01902
791207.
Georgie Welch - artist, Steve Russell - photographer
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