Arborfield’s equine history depicted

Sculptor Amy Goodman unveils her biggest commission yet this month: three life-size horses at Arborfield Green garden village in Berkshire. The horses – a gunner, a mare and a yearling – depict the past, present and future of equestrianism in the area.

Developer Crest Nicholson commissioned the work to acknowledge the history of the site, an equine hospital and veterinary centre for the Remount Depot in 1904.

The horses have been moulded and cast in rust iron resin, the colours of which will become richer as it oxidises over time. “It’s very evocative of the mud of the trenches,” said the Berkshire-born artist.

Goodman won the commission last summer and said she “had a very clear vision” of the sculptures. A stocky Cleveland Bay gunner is seen rearing against the sky with a trench between him and the other horses. Poppy seeds will be sown around the sculptures.

Thousands of horses passed through the centre during the war and in recognition of this the developer is restoring the stables. Potential uses could include a café, museum or community building.

“We were keen to celebrate the vital role the horse has played through military history and so the ‘War Horse’ was identified as the theme,” said Samantha Bryans, development director at Crest Nicholson Regeneration. “We also wanted to ensure there was reference to the modern-day domestic horse and active equine community local to Arborfield. The three sculptures Amy is producing are a perfect fit for our brief.”