Bransby Horses is proudly supporting the Purple Poppy Campaign this Remembrance season, joining forces with Murphy’s Army to remember the animals who served alongside people in times of war and continue to serve our communities today.
The Purple Poppy is a symbol of remembrance for all animals that have played vital roles in military and public service. Led by Murphy’s Army, the campaign raises awareness of the contribution made by animals and helps provide support for retired service animals in their later years.
Through the generosity of its supporters, Murphy’s Army has raised nearly £300,000 over the years, helping to support the welfare of service animals and ensuring their contributions are recognised and remembered.
Bransby Horses has been proud to work alongside Murphy’s Army in recent years and was honoured to be selected as a beneficiary of their Purple Poppy Campaign in both 2025 and 2026. Through the dedication of volunteers and supporters, Murphy’s Army donated an incredible £12,117.10 to Bransby Horses in 2025.
The funding has helped support the charity’s work providing care, rehabilitation and lifelong sanctuary for equines in need, including retired service horses that have spent their lives helping and protecting people.
This year’s display at Bransby Horses Visitor Centre features a striking collection of horse and dog sculptures adorned with handmade purple poppies, helping visitors reflect on the sacrifices made by animals throughout history. The display has been made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters from across the UK, who have knitted and donated thousands of purple poppies for the appeal. We have been overwhelmed by the response, with hundreds of individuals, groups and community organisations dedicating their time and creativity to ensure the stories of service animals are remembered. Their support has transformed this display into a powerful tribute and demonstrates the lasting impact of people coming together to honour the animals who have served.
While millions of horses, mules and donkeys played a crucial role during the First World War, transporting soldiers, pulling artillery and carrying essential supplies, animals continue to serve society today in a wide range of important roles.
Service dogs work alongside police officers to detect drugs, weapons and explosives, locate missing people and support public safety operations. Dogs also serve with Border Force, the military and search and rescue teams across the UK. Equines continue to serve within police forces, supporting crowd management, community engagement and operational policing.
Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy Campaign seeks to ensure that the courage, loyalty and dedication shown by these animals, both past and present, is never forgotten.
“We are incredibly grateful to Murphy’s Army and everyone who supports their Purple Poppy Campaign. The generosity of volunteers, knitters and supporters has had a real and lasting impact on the animals in our care. The campaign provides an important opportunity to recognise the vital role animals have played throughout history and continue to play today, while helping to support their welfare in retirement.”
– Beth Dawson, Visitor Experience Manager, Bransby Horses
“As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy Campaign, we are incredibly proud of what has been achieved in raising awareness of the service and sacrifice of animals and helping to support them beyond their working lives. We are especially grateful to Bransby Horses for the wonderful support they have given the campaign this year, and to everyone who has become part of their Purple Poppy community. The thousands of handmade purple poppies, created with such love and generosity, are a fitting tribute to the animals we remember. It is heartening to see so many people coming together to ensure that the courage, loyalty and contribution of these remarkable animals, past and present, will never be forgotten.”
– Karen Pritchard, Co-Founder and Trustee, Murphy’s Army
Visit the Purple Poppy Display
Visitors are invited to view the Purple Poppy display at Bransby Horses Visitor Centre throughout the Remembrance period, until Sunday the 15th of November. Learn more about the animals who served, and support the campaign by purchasing a Purple Poppy.
