Sir Briggs: the survivor

Briggs was a steeplechase champion named after a family servant. His owner, Captain Godfrey Morgan, purchased him in 1851.

During the Crimean War (1853-56), Morgan commanded a squadron of the 17th Regiment of Light Dragoons. They took part in the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade during the Battle of Balaklava (1854), where 370 horses were killed. Briggs showed remarkable bravery during the battle, despite taking a sabre wound to the head. Afterwards, he was unofficially knighted 'Sir Briggs'.

Briggs survived the tough conditions of a war that saw many other horses perish from starvation and fatigue. He eventually died in 1874 and was commemorated with a memorial in the grounds of Tredegar Park, his master’s home in Wales.