The year is 1861: A Gallop through Time
Hello my equine friends,
Emma here, back from Hayfield with another post for my lovely readers. Well, as you all know, here in the Highlands of Scotland the year is a bit colder, and the days a tad shorter, than some of my southern cousins might be accustomed to, but I love it here, honestly. My hooves just get a good grip on the ground when the snow settles, and I have to say the sound of hooves on frosty ground is simply magnificent.
Anyway, let's get to it. Today I thought I’d explore some of the most exciting happenings in the world of horses back in 1861! I think it’s important to remember that the horse has always been so much more than just a creature of beauty – he (or she, of course!) is a vital partner in everything from travel to industry, and understanding his place in the past is crucial to appreciating just how special our equine connection truly is.
Now, where to start… oh, yes, this year has seen some wonderful changes in how we horses are being looked after. We’ve heard whispers from the folks in London that a "Royal Commission on the Treatment of Animals" has been formed. It’s still very early days, and of course, it's mainly for our city cousins (though some people are trying to reach out to us up here too). But what is so very encouraging is the change in thinking about how humans should treat us. No longer is it acceptable to think of us as mere working machines - we’re starting to be viewed as sentient creatures that deserve to be cared for.
Even though Hayfield isn’t quite London, we are feeling the ripple effect. We’re finding more and more of our humans are actually stopping to give us an extra pat and a friendly word or two - and honestly, it’s the simple gestures of kindness that mean the most, wouldn’t you agree?
Speaking of simple gestures of kindness, let me tell you about my humans – they are the kindest souls you could imagine! I am lucky to have a strong and gentle farmer, a clever lad, and even a lovely little lass who visits me from time to time, bringing with her tasty apples and fresh hay from her father's fields. They are all quite devoted to the land and to each other - in their quiet way, they share a special connection, much like the one I feel with my stable companions here at the farm. But don't let them fool you – they work hard!
The "Horseshoe of Steel": A True Turning Point
I wouldn’t be telling the whole story, though, if I didn’t mention the most remarkable invention of the year – what those clever chaps in London call "The Horseshoe of Steel." Can you believe it? No more nails! No more frequent shoeings! I confess to being a little nervous when I first felt those sharp metal claws on my hooves, but trust me, they really are brilliant. They wear down less quickly, don’t cause pain, and they help our shoes last longer. Now, you might think I wouldn’t appreciate that, what with the extra cuddles I get when a blacksmith works on my hooves, but I'm just being honest when I say those cold winter months would be more bearable with this new invention!
Even with all the talk of steel and new-fangled technology, it’s good to remember that some things just never change. For example, you can't get away from the annual village Fair here in Hayfield! Every summer, all of us horses – the draught horses, the Clydesdales, the ponies – everyone joins in. We proudly wear our finest tack, parade through the market square, and give the excited crowds a chance to see us all dressed in our glory. There’s something special about seeing so many people so happy and joyful, especially those kids with their faces lit up like lanterns, admiring the fine animals on display! It is quite a thing, to be honest!
This year was no different. I even saw a few new types of horses, never seen in Hayfield before! One of my neighbours told me they came from across the border in England and are called "Suffolks." They were big and strong with long brown coats and were used for plowing and carting goods, just like us. My own grey coat, with my snow-white mane and tail, seemed quite exotic amongst them, at least in the eyes of the crowds who stopped by to say hello.
Of course, what’s a fair without a little competition? There were all sorts of trials, and we even had a competition to see which horse could carry the most bags of oats for the longest distance! The winning steed, a big bay with an attitude, was named “Jasper,” but they were all good sports, and we shared a hay pile after all the hard work, as a reward.
Looking Forward, Together
As the winter draws in and the evenings become shorter, I find myself feeling reflective about all that’s changed in our world. But the one thing I do know for sure is this: our love for the land and our work continues to bond us to humans in ways that can’t be easily broken. We are part of this history – just as you are. We are horses, strong and kind, and I for one, am thrilled to see what the future holds! Until next time, stay well, and be sure to tell your favourite stories from the year 1861! You know I’m always happy to hear about what’s happening across the world from my lovely readers.
Much love,
Emma.
This concludes Emma’s "EquiWorld" blog post #186. If you have a horse related history blog or are an aspiring author, be sure to reach out to Emma through Equiworld’s comment section below!
What you can include for each postHere are a few key events you might include in future posts about Emma’s equestrian adventures, drawing on her voice and her unique perspective. The more details, the better. Use the style from above.
Historical Notes: (Things Emma might learn and reflect upon in her blogs) * 1862 - The London Cab Horse: * Mention a few details about the city horse in Victorian England (London is an exciting contrast to her own world) * *1863- Horse Racing and Gambling: A lively tale about the rise of horseracing as a form of entertainment and how gambling ties into the sport (perhaps mention a local race in a neighboring village) * 1864- The First Animal Shelter: An insight into this early form of caring for animals that have fallen ill, or gotten lost in cities (maybe Emma’s farmer hears of this via word-of-mouth, or someone might even bring in an old, lost pony from the neighboring farm). * 1865- “Horse Photography" Begins: * A fascinating entry about this growing hobby (the local blacksmith’s son, with a fancy camera, takes a picture of Emma). * *1866- "Horse Health" A new awareness emerges of proper equine diets and treatments, contrasting modern "good" vs old farming practices that might be harsh (an old horse gets an “herbal potion" - this ties into old traditions vs the change of modern farming methods) * 1867 - The New Era of Transportation: * Talk about the arrival of the railway system in Hayfield and the impact this has on local jobs and horse-powered transport. * *1868 - "Show Jumping" Becomes A Thing: * Focus on a “jump-over-things” event that is taking hold in London. * *1869- The Growth of the "Driving Horse:" * An exploration of different horse breeds specifically used to pull carriages (maybe Emma has a friend who has gone to London and works for a coachman). * *1870- The War Horse: A reminder of how many of the world's horses were at this time fighting in the wars around the globe, the dangers of battle.
Key Blogging Tips for Emma:
- Personalize Each Post: Keep Emma’s thoughts and experiences central. It's less about history, and more about what she thinks and feels
- Emphasize Connection: Make sure every post highlights the bond between horses and humans ( Emma’s love for her human, etc.)
- The Role of Technology: How horses experienced technology in this era (steam engines, etc., impacting daily life).
- Keep It Positive: Celebrate how far horses and humans have come in their mutual understanding
- *Think Visuals: * Use short snippets of visual descriptions to help your readers imagine life in 1860s Scotland. (Like Emma’s first impression of steel shoes, or the annual Hayfield Fair)
- Ending: Always conclude with a sweet, relatable line that connects to the audience ("We're in this together, let’s look to the future," etc)
I hope these notes help inspire you to create some amazing "EquiWorld" posts for Emma, filled with warmth, personality, and an insightful view into horse history from a unique perspective. Remember, these are just ideas! Let your creativity guide you and have fun writing.
