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The White Horse, which in this picture from 1972 was photographed from Alton Barnes, is visible from many of the villages in the Vale of Pewsey where the Springbatts lived. It is best viewed from the road between Stanton St Bernard and Alton Barnes but can be seen from Alton Barnes and Alton Priors, Wilsford, Beechingstoke etc.
The horse was cut into the chalk hill in 1812. He is 180' high
and 165' long and can be seen from Old Sarum 22 miles away.
The man who cut the horse into the hill was later hung (not for
cutting the horse of course!).
White chalk horses are a feature of the Wiltshire landscape. Many Wiltshire publications and signs use white text against a green background which seems appropriate and alludes to the chalk figures visible against the green downland.
It is possible to park a car and walk to the white horse. It is a long and windy walk and the horse is surprisingly large and the down steep once you arrive there. The photograph does not properly convey the height of the downs. There is a feeling of being very elevated and there are good views across the Vale of Pewsey although because it faces south it is not ideal for photography.
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© Gordon Springford
www.springford.co.uk
