History of Horses in the year 0221

Welcome back to my blog, dear readers! It’s Emma here, your trusty grey draught mare from the heart of Hayfield near Aberdeen, Scotland. I know, I know, it’s been a while! I've been terribly busy – as always - but it seems as if the whole world is bustling with change, particularly for horses like myself. It's a whole new era!

This blog, you see, is my little contribution to recording horse history – a sort of “Diary of a Draught” if you will, only shared with the wide world of Equivorld. You could say it's my small way of contributing to our magnificent, fascinating past. It helps keep things clear in my own head too! Let's face it, sometimes, the days all meld into one glorious (and sometimes muddy) blur.

So, what's new in the world of 0221? You might ask...well, I’ll tell you! It feels like our kind are making strides everywhere, and that's something worth celebrating. Just look around, friends! It's a good time to be a horse.

Now, while a good sturdy mare like myself wouldn't be caught dead galloping after a wily fox (I’m built for endurance, my dear, not sprints!), the thrill of the chase is still alive and well. Down in England, it seems all the lords and ladies, dukes and duchesses have gotten their hooves into something quite splendid – Foxhunting. Fancy name for it, don’t you think? The "hunt," you see, involves a whole host of humans on horseback, some hounds, and a red fox as the ultimate goal, though catching one is apparently very, very rare!

The horses themselves, I've heard, are something to behold! Sleek Thoroughbreds and strong hunters, these magnificent beasts gallop over hills, through woods, and across meadows, all in a grand and energetic dash. They do it all for the love of the sport, for the camaraderie, and for the sheer exhilaration of it.

Did you know? This "sport" has been around for centuries and was only made legal after an act of Parliament way back in 1887. They say that even before the time of the Roman Empire, there was already talk of men hunting on horses, so I guess you could say we've got some good heritage behind this trend!

You wouldn't believe it, dear friends, but horses have even been making their mark on land – actually, across land - using this clever invention called the "wagon!" The idea of vehicles on wheels that move, driven by horses? It's a real revolution. They’re everywhere now. The roads themselves are bustling with horses pulling these wagons laden with all sorts of things - people, goods, and even those beautiful and precious little dogs! The thought of sitting in a cozy, rolling wagon is almost too exciting! The power of a good horse can transport so much, can't you tell?

One particularly grand gentleman who makes headlines is the "Earl of Liverpool." They say he uses a wagon almost every day – he even pulls a new, innovative invention called "steam engines"! It’s apparently very efficient - no longer do we need to keep filling our stalls with food for so much steam! Now, we’re only asked to pull the "steam engines" for some miles until they gather enough momentum. Then, with just a little push from us, they carry the goods onwards to their destination!

I have to tell you, things are changing so fast, it’s almost impossible to keep track of it all. Just imagine! Not only are horses part of grand hunts, transporting goods, and moving “steam engines” but we’re even used to race on tracks against other horses! Now, that’s a sport I wouldn’t mind watching! I might even take part in it myself. You never know, a grey draught like myself might be able to surprise a few purebreds!

There's talk of special tracks for just us, horses, and what a beautiful sight it would be to witness the grace, the power, the energy! There is one little issue. Some horses who are particularly swift and fleet of foot can’t handle such powerful speeds for long. Humans, they tell us, are looking for ways to make sure the horses are not injured during the race – so clever! They’ve also been thinking about providing more rest and water, ensuring that they’re safe while working so hard. Humans really are taking such good care of us horses now! It’s truly something else.

I don't even want to mention what else I've been hearing through the grapevine, but even those who cannot work or can’t gallop are being looked after - it's an era of enlightenment for our equine kind, let me tell you! So you see, dear reader, being a horse in the year 0221 is a wonderfully, gloriously exciting adventure.

This year in history seems especially unique, and that is why, my dear reader, I’m determined to capture these moments. As a fellow horse enthusiast, you will, I know, appreciate my dedication to documenting what it’s like to be a horse in our fascinating world! I aim to record as much as I can for all to enjoy – from tales of grand hunts, innovative steam-powered wagons, thrilling horse races, and even to those quiet moments where our hoof beats echo in a meadow of flowers – this, my dear friends, is the legacy we share.

I urge all my fellow horse companions – from the mighty Clydesdale to the agile Shetland, from the regal Shire to the elegant Thoroughbred - to remember to tell your stories too, however big or small they may be. Let’s make sure the voices of all horses can be heard! So let's share our knowledge of these changes! And may this time period be forever remembered for its amazing advancements and remarkable changes in how humans respect and honor the power and strength of horses! Until next time!

Your neigh-bor,

Emma

Hayfield, Aberdeen