Welcome back to my Equiworld.org blog, dear readers! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught horse, writing from my stable in Hayfield near Aberdeen. Today I'm going to share my thoughts on what a glorious year 1594 has been, full of new adventures and a glimpse of the future for my kind!
Oh, the sun is shining, birds are singing, and the wind is whispering through the barley fields - what a lovely day it is! It's good to be a horse in these parts, where the hills are green and the meadows full of delicious sweet grasses. And though I miss the days of running free, my life is pretty good.
Let me tell you, 1594 has been a year filled with change! I'm sure some of you, my younger readers, wouldn't believe what things were like even just a generation ago. Back in the day, we were used for everything - pulling plows, carts, even carrying knights in armour to battle. You can see how exhausting that must have been!
Thankfully, life for us is getting much easier now. Horses are still vital to society, no doubt, but the invention of new things like carts with iron wheels makes the work easier, and we are not being called upon for such brutal work as warfare. The recent change to a new ruler in England - the young Queen Elizabeth I - has brought peace to the kingdom, which we can all be grateful for. My cousin Rosie, a dappled mare from Lincolnshire, even told me that she saw a portrait of the Queen on horseback. Now wouldn't that be a wonderful image!
But I'm getting carried away. Where was I? Ah, yes. The world of horses! It's amazing how far things have come in my lifetime. Let's go through some highlights:
Breeding for specific skills: I have to admit, seeing these fine stallions who were bred solely for war - with such beautiful markings - was a bit intimidating, even though my kind are needed for more work in the fields these days. They were beautiful creatures, with long legs and powerful muscles. A noble beast indeed. Nowadays, we see breeders getting smarter and looking at what kind of horses are suited to certain jobs - whether that's carting heavy loads or pulling ploughs, the stallions and mares are chosen accordingly. And let's be honest, it means we don't have to haul quite so much. My aching back is eternally grateful!
Harness and Tack improvements: My mother told me tales of her younger days, when harness was heavy and awkward, made from thick, heavy leather that chafed and bit. But oh, how much lighter and more comfortable the modern harness is! We don't need as much force, either, thanks to better-designed gear with rollers and more comfortable fitting. The straps on these new saddles are more supple too - the soft leather feels lovely against my back. It makes those long journeys more bearable.
Horseshoe Innovation: Remember how those horseshoers hammered away at my hooves, making them square? Oh, the pain! And then, I’d be hobbling around, unable to gallop with ease. But now? It's a whole different story! The horseshoe designs have changed so much, thanks to clever blacksmiths who realised how vital the horse's foot is. They've made horseshoe shapes that fit our natural hoof structure, and the forged metal has helped strengthen our hooves and make us more resilient against rocks and hard surfaces. It makes a world of difference, you wouldn’t believe it unless you experienced it for yourself. It's amazing how the horse's hoof can now even carry heavier loads with the right horseshoe!
Increased Focus on Training: Oh, it is wonderful that the times are changing. I hear from friends in England that many young riders are learning about natural horsemanship. They respect the horse as an animal with its own needs, which brings great joy. It's not all about harsh training any longer. Nowadays, even the youngest steeds, such as myself, are encouraged to be independent, to play and to develop trust in their trainers and handlers. That means more fun and freedom! We also hear stories of the Queen herself going for long rides through the countryside - it is indeed a great testament to the special bond between man and horse.
And let me tell you, dear reader, this new understanding of our needs as horses is something to celebrate! Even those horses bred for sport, especially the agile ones - we have a new appreciation of them here at Hayfield! Their agility is extraordinary. Imagine the beautiful grace of these sleek creatures - galloping across open land! You know how much we enjoy those fields with wildflowers that stretch out from our village. They remind us of the vast beauty that awaits us, even if we are here working. The future is bright, indeed! We horses are an integral part of everyday life, and our role will surely only continue to grow.
But wait! That isn't all, folks! While our lives may have taken a positive turn, there are exciting things happening in other parts of the world!
You know those magnificent creatures called 'Horses of the East?' They were legendary even before my time. In 1594, there's talk of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Oh, his name is spoken in whispers of wonder - this is a true lover of horses, with stables that are practically kingdoms themselves! He understands horses. He understands that each horse is a gift, an embodiment of grace and strength. It is rumoured that his stable alone houses horses of all kinds: Arab horses, Turkoman horses, and the rarest breeds known. They have colours more magnificent than any rainbow! Akbar’s men bring the stories of these incredible creatures - horses who have been bred over centuries with the most wondrous bloodlines - to every corner of the world. Imagine seeing such creatures in person!
What is it about these foreign lands and their horses? They speak of vast, boundless plains of endless freedom and stories of horses so agile and fast, they seem like wind made flesh. It's almost unbelievable to hear their descriptions of these powerful horses. But the descriptions of their coat patterns - from creamy white to sleek black to shades of chestnut with splashes of dappled grey - they remind me so much of my cousins back in the highlands! It’s said that some of these horses are brought from faraway lands such as Persia. They say the horsemen of those lands, the skilled nomads who love the open steppes, are some of the bravest warriors in the world! Imagine!
And that brings me to my other bit of news for the month! In my little corner of the world, the horses that work with the locals have become renowned! Just the other day, I heard tales of how some of our horses were brought all the way down to England to help move carts and carriages. The city folks there haven’t seen horses this strong! Our strong draught horses, bred for stamina and resilience, make journeys all over the British Isles. It fills me with pride to think that Hayfield horses are known for their work ethic and power. Imagine the roads all around England filled with the sound of our horses' hooves! I sometimes think, my fellow horse lovers, we’ll travel the world!
And now, as the sun is starting to set, I must end my rambling for today. The night air is already cool. It’s a wonderful time to rest our hooves, to eat, to drink, and to remember that each and every one of us, my fellow horses, has a story to tell. The past, present and future are full of stories for horses and our human companions, and that’s what makes this world such a special place. So please, keep visiting my blog and tell me your horse tales. We love to hear about your adventures, too! Until next time!
P.S: I nearly forgot! My new colt, Rowan, is finally old enough to begin working the fields. He's learning to be a draught horse just like me. He's a strong, sturdy young fellow. His eyes are so full of curiosity and wonder - reminding me of the young days, and all that the world still holds!
