The White Horses of Wiltshire By Tony Maniscalco At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Walking in England you are likely to come across numerous chalk effigies from the formidable Cerne Abbas Giant to the elusive white horses of Wiltshire. But what do these figurines mean and more importantly who painted them in the first place:

On a UK walking holiday around Wiltshire you will encounter a number of white horses cut into the landscape. This practice is known as ‘leucippotomy’ and has been practised in England since prehistoric times. Although the white horse has long been considered mythical, it is debated what the significance of this equine mammal placed upon a hilltop is. Some believe that the horses were simply carved to commemorate historical occasions whilst mystics believe that they hold much stronger significance, however after viewing these carvings whilst walking in England you will be able to decide for yourself.

The White Horse Trail, which opened in 1999 as part of a Millennium Project, is home to eight very different chalk horses. The oldest of these is the Westbury White Horse, and although the original date of its carving has been lost with history, we do know that it was restored in 1778. Many historians associate the symbol of the white horse with the house of Hannover, believing that the horse was carved in the 18th century as a symbol of loyalty to the reigning monarch.

Whatever the reason for its existence, walking in England’s ‘Trail of the White Horses’ is definitely a unique way in which to spend a UK hiking holiday. Most of the 92 mile trails take place in designated areas of natural beauty, incorporating older trails, such as The Ridgeway, which is believed to be the oldest road in Europe. The White Horse Trail also takes in the pretty Kennett and Avon towpath, including the famous flight of 29 locks at Caen Hill in Devizes.

You will come across many quintessential British towns during your UK walking holiday a number of which contain a white horse of their very own. An example of this is the Preshute Horse, located near to the town of Marlborough. The horse was designed by a student at a local school in 1802, a number of years before Marlborough College first opened in 1843. However, the private school, whose alumni include John Betjeman, Kate Middleton and Chris De Burgh, is now responsible for the upkeep of the smallest of the Wiltshire white horses.

The Marlborough horse may be considered modern, when compared with the Bronze Age carving of the Uffington White Horse in Berkshire, but it has nothing on the Devizes White Horse which was only carved recently in 1999, to commemorate the opening of the Millennium Trail. However, whilst walking in England you will discover little evidence of the true age of the Devizes Horse, as there is very little which sets it apart from its older counterparts. Devizes latest addition was suggested by a newcomer to the village in 1998, who had no prior knowledge that a chalk horse originally stood in a spot less than half a mile away. Some 200 local volunteers took part in cutting the outline of the figurine, failing to be halted by the torrential rain and gales which threatened to put a damper on the joyous community event.

With more than half a dozen historic horses to spot on the White Horse Trail you’re sure to have an excellent time on your UK walking holiday.

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