War Horse Sculpture Takes Pride of Place at Newstone

A war horse sculpture handmade by residents as part of Remembrance season activities has taken pride of place at one of our north Dorset care homes.

Several contributors living at Colten Care’s Newstone House in Sturminster, including members of its dementia community, worked on the piece before it was put on display in the reception area.

Standing 40cm high and 30cm from nose to tail, the shiny black sculpture is made of clay fashioned around a metal frame and was inspired by an image residents saw online.

It is positioned along with a soldier in a small field of bright red poppies, also made of clay, and has been dubbed ‘Blackie’ by some residents because of its colour.

Among those who worked on the sculpture is Ian, an ex-racehorse trainer who took an expert interest in guiding the look and proportions of the horse’s legs.

He was joined in the sculpting and painting by former Merchant Navy serviceman Tony, while the poppies underneath the horse were made by fellow residents Joyce, Sylvia, and Muriel.

Tony said: “The poppies really added to the whole design and we were all very pleased with how it turned out.”

Companionship Team member Ruth, who worked with the residents on the project, said: “We wanted to do something different for Remembrance this year. The idea of making a model war horse, especially with Ian’s professional eye for equine proportions, proved just right.”