Hello there, dear readers! It's Emma here, your favourite grey mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. Today we're galloping back in time to the year 181, a truly exciting year for horses like me! It’s not every day you get to tell the story of a year in horse history! Well, for those of you new to the blog, I'm a 20-year-old draught mare, strong as an oak and gentle as a breeze, with a gleaming white mane and tail that shimmer like snowflakes.
So, settle in and grab some oats (or maybe a cup of tea!) because I've got a fascinating tale to tell.
The year 181 dawned bright and crisp on the Scottish moors. The frost sparkled on the grass, and the air was filled with the bracing smell of peat smoke. For me, it meant a morning of pulling a heavy cart, filled with coal and barley, to the local market. I've always loved this time of year, when the wind whips through my mane and the rhythm of my hooves echoes against the cobbles.
But 181 was more than just another year. The world was bustling with change, and the life of a horse was no different!
Across the land, from the rolling hills of Wales to the bustling streets of London, horses like myself were working hard to keep the world turning. In the cities, our kind were hauling carts brimming with goods, bringing fresh food and supplies to the growing population. We pulled coaches, transporting dignitaries and merchants alike, keeping the wheels of commerce turning.
This year also saw a change in the way horses were trained. While some horses still received harsh, sometimes cruel, methods of training, others began to benefit from a gentler approach, focussing on positive reinforcement. People are finally beginning to understand that treating us with respect leads to better, happier, and more cooperative workhorses!
Remember the London to Edinburgh Mail coach I told you about? Well, 181 saw a significant upgrade in this legendary mail run, with new horses and carriages introduced, making the journey even faster. They called these fast coaches "flying machines" due to their speed! This upgrade brought faster mail deliveries across the country and helped to further connect our human companions.
Another remarkable feat of 181 was the work done on canals. A network of canals was slowly, but steadily, connecting waterways across the country. This meant that goods could travel efficiently and with fewer stops. This allowed our human counterparts to explore more areas, thanks to the swift journey through the waterways. I was always happy to lend my strong back to hauling barges loaded with goods along these canals, as this meant a relatively peaceful and serene way to spend my day.
In the world of breeding, some truly groundbreaking horses were being born this year! The legendary Clydesdale horse, famed for their immense size and strength, continued to grow in popularity, and some truly impressive examples were born this year. In fact, a new breed, known as the Hackney horse, was also developed, known for its incredible speed and elegant gait. They are a pleasure to watch, their strides long and their movements graceful. It reminds me of dancing!
We horses were also making a big splash in the sporting scene, as people were finding joy in sharing this pastime with their equine friends. In 181, horse racing began to explode in popularity across Britain. Thousands flocked to racecourses, mesmerized by the thunder of hooves, the thrill of the chase, and the raw power of horses as they raced down the track. This love for our sport even extended beyond Britain, as America also hosted several significant horse racing events. It was a real highlight of 181, with even the Queen watching with delight at the Royal Ascot, showcasing the strength, beauty, and elegance of horses in one stunning display.
Throughout 181, my fellow horses and I continued to play an essential role in the lives of our human friends, whether we were plowing fields for food, carrying heavy loads to markets, transporting families on grand adventures, or pulling majestic carriages to dazzling social events. In fact, even within Hayfield, I remember our blacksmith, Mr. McGregor, used a sturdy black stallion to carry heavy iron from the forge to the river. What a magnificent animal!
I love hearing these stories of my equine brethren all across the world and feeling a connection to them all. It is a special bond, the love for horses. The strength, the kindness, the devotion; they are all so special. This is why I created this blog, dear reader! I felt a pull to share all of these things with others, and now, so many other horses have stories to tell, and people, too, with so many stories to tell of our roles in their history. It’s truly wonderful.
As the year 181 drew to a close, I looked out across the Scottish moors, my heart brimming with pride for our kind. We may not be able to speak, but we play such an important part in life, helping people, moving them across lands, connecting them with each other, making their lives better and easier, with their equine friends by their side! It’s an honor and privilege to play such an integral part in our world, and in doing so, leave our mark on history. I hope we continue to play a vital role in our future together.
And so, with a final flick of my white tail, I sign off for now. Until next time, remember to cherish your horses, and appreciate their love and hard work. May your life be filled with happy gallops and hearty whinnies.
With a happy whinny,
Emma
