Conversation Two

The story opens in 1912 on the rugged farmland of Southern England.

A farmer brings home a colt from the local horse auction and a lifelong relationship begins between the spirited animal and the farmer's shy teenager, Albert.

"I'll train him."

"You stay out of this, Albert. You don't know nothing about horses."

"Please, mom. Please let me. I can do it."

"Well, you've got one month to break him in or I'm taking him back myself."

The horse that Albert names "Joey" grows into a strong and smart steed — exactly the kind of animal the British Cavalry needs two years later when World War I breaks out in Europe.

Joey goes off to war and Albert quickly follows, determined to find and bring home the horse he loves so dearly.

War Horse began as a historical novel for young readers that was adapted as a stage play in London with Joey and the other horses in the story portrayed by life-sized puppets created by South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company.