Hello everyone, Emma here! Just a wee grey mare from the bonnie highlands of Scotland, settling down to write my latest entry for Equiworld. The sun's shining on Hayfield this morning, the air's crisp and fresh, and the sheep are out grazing peacefully. Perfect day to delve into history, don't you think?
As you know, this is my blog about horses, specifically the history of our kind. And believe me, there's been quite a bit going on in the year 1689, making it quite a significant one in our world! I thought we could explore together some of the events that took place. Let's buckle up and trot through this year, shall we?
First off, you can't mention 1689 without acknowledging the momentous change in the power structure, here in the UK. King James the Second? Well, he was out, and William and Mary were in! Talk about a dramatic change! Now, we haven't seen a whole lot of difference at the stables back home. Life has remained fairly simple: pulling the plow in the mornings, pulling carts laden with barley for the brewery in the afternoons, and grazing with the other draught horses in the evenings. A life of honest, hard work, wouldn't you agree?
But even with our daily routines, I can't help but feel a certain…frisson in the air. As if something momentous is brewing, something big is about to happen. And maybe, just maybe, our lives will change in some exciting, though subtle, way.
Now, don't think for a second that we're just plodding about, heads down in the muck! Us draught horses, we're intelligent creatures! We pick up the vibes, the mood swings, the murmurs of discontent in the nearby villages. People are starting to feel hopeful, you see, and when they're hopeful, they start dreaming of new opportunities and ventures.
This brings me to the topic of trade. You see, back in 1689, England saw a substantial surge in trading. Now, trade? That's good news for horses! The more trade there is, the more things need to be moved! And the more things need to be moved, the more of us strong and sturdy draught horses are needed. Think of it: heavier loads, bigger carts, journeys across continents… it all points to a brighter future for the likes of us.
So, this surge in trade, well, it's bringing some major changes to the agricultural scene, too! People are getting braver and more adventurous with the things they grow, you know? With that, a higher demand for horses is a guarantee. This all leads to a lot of activity, a lot of travel, a lot of exciting prospects…even for a humble draught horse like myself.
However, life hasn't always been so optimistic. As you know, a draught horse's life isn't all sunny pastures and sugar cubes. Remember the disastrous weather back in 1688, when those icy winds whipped across Scotland, chilling our bones to the marrow? Thankfully, the frost was short-lived, and spring has bounced back, the meadows are green, and the horses are healthy and happy again. But those memories linger.
I often find myself recalling the long days spent at the market, hauling supplies and returning with fresh hay for the barn. Each time, the bustle of activity never fails to inspire awe. You see, it's not just about transporting goods – it's about connecting people. And in a way, it makes us, the horses, the backbone of it all.
There are whispers too about these "roads." Apparently, the folks back south in England are busy with what they call "road improvements". This sounds intriguing, and it could mean some changes for us too! Wider, better roads for bigger, more efficient travel. If I am reading between the lines, this might mean the days of those bone-jarring, narrow, bumpy country roads could soon be over for good! Just imagine – smooth sailing for every journey!
You see, it's fascinating, this time. Everything is changing, all the time, in a wonderful way. While our lives may seem simple and repetitive on the surface, they are also richly interwoven with the fabric of humanity. Just like how humans and horses rely on each other, this year in particular, feels like an extraordinary step in our combined story.
It is said that knowledge is power, and knowing your history can only make you stronger. As I learn about our past, I become even more excited about our future. Now, with that in mind, let me give a friendly neigh and wish you all a fantastic week ahead! Don't forget to check back in next week when we’ll be exploring the life of the carriage horse. There are many fascinating stories to be told, and I'm determined to share them with all of you. Until next time, dear readers, keep on neighing and take care!
Your friend,
Emma
