Hello, dear readers! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood draught mare from the rolling hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. As always, I'm delighted to take you on a journey back through time, this time to the year 1666, a year that brought change and progress to the world of horses, and indeed, the wider world.
Let's set the scene. It’s a bright, crisp morning, the air nipping at my nostrils, as I munch on the freshly cut hay in the stable. You know, there's something truly wonderful about the feeling of a crisp morning on the Scottish countryside. The heather is purple in the distance, and the air is a symphony of bird song and the gentle clink of blacksmith’s hammers, working their magic.
And oh, speaking of blacksmiths, did you know that 1666 was a particularly special year for us horses? This is the year when Richard Russell, a forward-thinking gentleman in London, published a remarkable treatise on horse care titled “The Horse-man’s Dictionary”. This groundbreaking work, dear readers, is what some might consider the first proper book on horsemanship, offering invaluable insight into the best methods of training, feeding, and caring for horses. It revolutionized our world, ushering in a new era of horse husbandry.
You see, prior to this, horses were seen more as tools, rather than the magnificent creatures they are. Richard Russell was a trailblazer, advocating for kindness and understanding towards us. His book encouraged the use of gentler methods, discouraging the harsh practices of the past. Imagine my joy to read about a world where we're not beaten or yelled at! I even heard tell that a society for the prevention of cruelty to horses was in the works! How lovely is that, right?
1666 wasn't just about horses, mind you. It was a year of remarkable discoveries across the world. In Europe, they were making great leaps in science and medicine. Meanwhile, here in Britain, a rather less auspicious event happened that summer - The Great Fire of London. My goodness, it must have been a terrifying time for the horses living there! With flames sweeping through the city, and people fleeing in fear, their horses must have been just as scared as everyone else. But despite the tragedy, the people of London rebuilt, and it's truly a testament to their spirit and perseverance.
Let's talk a little bit about horses in this period - 1666 was the dawn of a new era in horse transportation. We were, of course, still the backbone of everyday life, transporting goods and people all across the land. But now, things were starting to change. In places like London, a new mode of transport was gaining popularity – the hackney coach. It was a horse-drawn carriage used to ferry people around the city, a true revolution for the times. Think of it - no longer just pulling ploughs and carts! Imagine, gliding through the streets of London in style.
As always, life for us horses was still centered on farm work and hauling. We were relied upon to pull carts laden with grain, work the fields, and transport produce to market. It's a good life, I'll admit, but sometimes I find myself daydreaming of those hackney coaches in London! A girl can dream, can't she?
One of the things that strikes me most about the year 1666 is that it marked a period of remarkable scientific inquiry into our world. People were starting to explore things like anatomy, medicine, and natural philosophy. I even heard a rumour of a rather peculiar invention – a device that would propel us forward, but without us pulling or trotting! The idea of being propelled forward without my legs moving felt very peculiar!
I believe that 1666 was a turning point. A time when the world began to see us horses not just as work animals, but also as majestic creatures, capable of grace, strength, and intelligence. As we enter a new year, it's exciting to see how our roles will continue to evolve.
For me, the year 1666 will forever be a time of learning, change, and a burgeoning sense of understanding between us and the humans we share this world with.
I'll be back next week, dear readers, to bring you even more from the rich history of horses! Until then, keep your hooves strong, your hearts bright, and your spirits high!
With a hearty whinny,
Emma.
