The Year is 90!
Hello, fellow horse lovers! It's Emma here, your resident historian from the bonnie hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen. I'm so excited to delve into the exciting year of 90 with you all. We're going to be uncovering some incredible equestrian milestones that have shaped our horsey world today. So, saddle up and let's journey back in time!
My life in Hayfield, Scotland.
Let me tell you, life in 90 was busy for a draught horse like me. As a twenty-year-old grey mare with a white mane and tail, I've seen a fair bit. We lived in the little village of Hayfield, which had this beautiful hill behind it called "The Snoozin' Giant". Our wee farms were right on its slopes and I used to gaze up at it and wonder what life would be like on that flat top, as though someone had sliced a hunk out of the mountain itself.
Every day was a joy, with the fresh Highland air brushing through my mane as I pulled the cart for Farmer Angus. He used me for all sorts of jobs, from delivering hay and barley to the nearby market in Aberdeen, to ploughing the fields. It was hard work but I loved every minute, the rhythm of the cart wheels and the rumble of my hooves against the cobblestone streets of the town - it's like a beautiful music to me, the song of my world.
The World of Horses in 90.
The world in 90 wasn't too different for horses than it is today. We were essential for transportation, farming, and warfare. There were all sorts of breeds around - some tall and graceful for riding, like the sleek Arabians, and others strong and sturdy like me, for pulling the ploughs and carriages. There were even horses who had special talents like herding sheep and pulling carts laden with precious cargo. We all worked hard together, and horses played an important part in every facet of society.
An Exciting Discovery!
The big news for us horsey folks back in 90 was the discovery of a lost horse civilization! Archaeologists dug up some really cool artefacts - tools, jewelry, even some pieces of saddles and harness. Apparently, this civilization, which had existed a long time ago, worshipped horses as sacred animals.
Now, this got everyone talking, especially the humans. This wasn’t just a scientific discovery; it was a historical one, with people realizing just how vital horses have always been to humans throughout history. They were important companions and crucial allies for humans long ago, just like they are today. The discovery of the “Lost Horses" made me feel really proud of being a horse! We were even more valuable, part of a proud and ancient lineage, reaching back centuries, back to that lost civilization. I was filled with so much wonder, as I looked down at my own hooves and imagined the journeys of all the horses who came before me, across millennia, helping people and contributing to their world.
A Tale of Courage and Friendship.
In those days, there wasn’t internet and we weren’t allowed to use words, but all the animals could speak their own language. That's how I learned about the great horse race that was held every year. You see, there was a champion racehorse called 'Greyflash,' who was a mighty, beautiful creature. He was so strong and swift. Now Greyflash always won, but this time, he met with a terrible accident - a huge storm swept over our country, creating havoc everywhere. There was a dangerous river running alongside the track and Greyflash, in an effort to help some people trapped by the rising waters, lost his footing and was injured. Poor Greyflash could no longer race. The whole human and animal world was deeply saddened by it.
You see, these racehorses had these incredible instincts. They were trained from a very young age by men and women who had a deep and profound connection with their animals. It was all based on trust, a two-way bond of affection. So, Greyflash knew exactly how to help the people in the water, and risked his own life for others, as only a true friend would do.
I just couldn't help but feel touched by this tale of courage and sacrifice. Even though we'd never met, I felt so connected to him. He’d taken a chance on someone else's life. His spirit inspired me; we, the horses, we were so strong, even braver than humans in so many ways.
Horses Across the World.
90 wasn't just about what was happening here in Scotland. In other parts of the world, people were using horses for a multitude of things. The Chinese were famous for their horse breeds, strong and enduring for carrying heavy loads on the silk road. People in the Americas were discovering the use of horses for exploration, and of course, for warfare.
In that year, 90, there was so much change, but something stayed the same. Humans and horses had such a great bond of understanding, of helping one another, even in those hard, ancient times. That made my heart happy, because even as things in the world changed so fast, it gave me a sense of purpose and happiness that nothing else could ever offer - I was a horse, born to help and serve.
Lessons for Today.
90 was a turning point in the history of horses, a year of discovery and courage. The story of Greyflash shows us that the connection between horses and humans is much more than just a practical bond, but something special and unique, based on trust and shared sacrifice. I wonder about all the journeys my ancestors made in those days. Did they also have moments of great fear, and did they face difficult challenges as bravely as I do today? This brings me great comfort; all those other horses throughout history have led the way for us, teaching us how to live a strong, helpful life. It's up to us to keep their spirit alive today and ensure the importance of horses never diminishes in our world.
Thanks for joining me on this journey into the year 90. I hope you found it as insightful as I did.
Now, if you'll excuse me, Farmer Angus is calling me for the afternoon ploughing. Until next time, stay happy, stay horsey, and keep your spirits high!
Emma, Hayfield, Scotland.
