A Highland Lass's Tale - EquiWorld Blog
Greetings, dear fellow equines! Emma here, your friendly grey draught horse from Hayfield, near bonnie Aberdeen. As the crisp autumn air nips at my nose and the heather blooms in glorious purples, I thought it time for another instalment of my equine historical ramblings. Today, I’m venturing back to the year 1674. Oh, it was a busy one indeed!
You know how we all love a good story, and this year had tales galore. First and foremost, let’s talk about that glorious feeling of being part of something bigger than ourselves, something that's essential for society - pulling a plough. We've always had a hand in the field, haven't we? We till the soil, cultivate the crops, and ensure that humans have plenty to eat. In 1674, we were truly in our element, the stars of the field. Think about it: the scent of freshly turned soil, the rhythmic pull of the plough, the feeling of the sun on our coat as we worked. Ah, life was good.
But 1674 wasn't all work and no play, by any stretch of the imagination. It seems like every day was a celebration, and every occasion involved a grand procession, parade, or race. This year, I heard whispers about a brand new breed of horses emerging - the Cleveland Bay. A majestic creature with an elegant gait and an incredibly docile temperament, they say! I haven't had the pleasure of meeting one yet, but I'm dying to. They call them a "true gentleman's mount", and I can only imagine the sheer thrill of being paired with one of these dashing steeds.
Now, of course, being a draught horse, I primarily haul goods, carts, and the occasional nobleman - that's life for us, a humble but necessary duty. There was a big event going on at Edinburgh this year, though - something called the "Merchant's Week". The stalls were overflowing with every imaginable delicacy, and the streets were packed with fine horses and elegant riders all showcasing their skills. It seems even humans love a bit of an equestrian show off, much like ourselves.
The beauty of the countryside was, as always, breathtaking. Scotland in 1674 was a vibrant tapestry of meadows bursting with wildflowers, towering forests filled with birdsong, and sparkling rivers reflecting the golden sun. As a young mare, I still have that thrill in my heart when I trot through the meadows. It feels like I’m flying, and every breath feels like a fresh start.
The year was a tapestry woven with a thread of progress, with the development of more innovative designs for carriages and harness. Imagine a horse pulling a carriage with padded seats, adjustable axles and sturdy springs. They say it makes for a smoother ride for passengers, but my dear, those human folks, they just won't leave well enough alone! I can hear it in the whispers and snickers that these carriages will eventually replace us - at least for those who want to travel fast! But I know we, the majestic draught horses, will continue to serve with pride, ensuring the livelihoods of many with our strength and steady gaits.
Speaking of strength and steady gaits, the world of sport was also buzzing with excitement. In this year of 1674, we heard tell of Grand National Steeplechases - what a thrilling spectacle! These daring horsemen are not afraid of any obstacle and, they say, horses are more suited for this perilous challenge than any other steed. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing – wouldn't it be thrilling to run like the wind? Maybe next year, my lovely readers?
Ah, 1674 – what a year it was! A year where our value and versatility were evident everywhere. Whether hauling carts full of goods, pulling plows for the harvest, or showcasing our skills at grand events, we were an indispensable part of society, a testament to the power of nature’s beauty and strength. I hope this little snippet of 1674 brought a smile to your face, and a warm, fuzzy feeling to your heart.
Now go out there, dear horses, spread the love and enjoy every gallop, every prance, and every stride - for it is we, the equine kingdom, who are truly the stars of this grand show called life. Until next time, my dear friends, I’m off to enjoy a little oats and the starry sky.
