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Boy Finds Voice with Horse, Inspires Classic Tale
1 Feb
Summary
- A mute boy found his voice speaking to a horse on a farm.
- This moment inspired Michael Morpurgo's famous book, War Horse.
- The charity has helped over 105,000 children since 1976.
A boy's silence was broken on a rainy November night on Michael and Clare Morpurgo's Devon farm, as he spoke to a horse named Hebe. This profound moment, where an elective mute child found his voice, became the inspiration for Michael Morpurgo's renowned novel, "War Horse."
Founded in 1976 at Nethercott House, Farms for City Children has since expanded to three locations in Devon, Gloucestershire, and Pembrokeshire. The charity has welcomed over 105,000 children, offering them a week of immersive farming experiences, from feeding animals to growing food.
Clare Morpurgo explained that their teaching backgrounds highlighted the limitations of classroom education, prompting their endeavor. The charity's mission focuses on improving children's wellbeing and environmental awareness, particularly for those facing inequality, by connecting them with food, farming, and nature. This connection builds confidence and demonstrates the value of their work.
Over nearly five decades, the charity has created lasting memories, with some families now sending third-generation children. Despite challenges like the foot-and-mouth crisis and the pandemic, the core mission of providing transformative experiences through 'less scroll, more sky' remains steadfast.
