Yeah, The Guard was fine. Or rather pretty good, but I missed something. I agree about Gleeson.

I think that 'War Horse' is not the best title.

But speaking of animals involved into a war, I saw this documentary a while ago, it's called Wojtek: The Bear That Went to War. It tells the unbelievable, surreal but true story of Wojtek, solider bear. He was even a corporal. A bear. I think that story would change my attitude towards history class entirely if I had heard it back then.
Kind of boring documentary, though it contains some breathtaking materials and relations. Like the solider that is playing with that bear, its kind of wrestling what they're doing. Pretty unique. So I'd rather recommend to check the story than the movie. It's awesome.

Some more http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wojtek_(soldier_bear)