Hello everyone! Emma here, a 20-year-old grey draught horse with a white mane and tail. You can find me in my lovely, lush field in Hayfield, a little village near Aberdeen in bonnie Scotland. Today, I thought I’d share some insights about the year 1694, because…well, horses have always been pretty important, don't you think?
It's funny to think that in just a few centuries, people would be whizzing around in machines with wheels, powered by something other than a good set of four hooves. Can you imagine?! In 1694, there's nothing quite like the powerful pull of a draught horse like me to get things done! And, let me tell you, we're working hard.
The farmers here are busy sowing the winter wheat. Imagine rows upon rows of brown earth, then a blanket of fluffy wheat seed being dropped upon it, all thanks to the horses who carefully draw the ploughs! We pull sturdy carts full of manure for rich fertiliser and work tirelessly transporting goods. The sound of the horses' hooves clopping on the cobblestones in the village streets and our soft whinnies are a constant, friendly backdrop to daily life.
You know, we're not just for work, either! I've seen children enjoying a ride on my back, clinging to my mane and laughing, their cheeks red with joy. My fellow horse companions are also often part of social gatherings and celebrations, participating in exciting races or pulling the decorated wagons at festive parades. It’s a busy life for a horse, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What else was happening in the horse world back in 1694?
Well, it was a time when some of the first proper stud books were starting to get published, mainly focusing on the Thoroughbred racehorse. It’s all about maintaining the lines of strong and beautiful horses, you see.
There were plenty of racing events happening in 1694, from England and Wales, even in Newmarket, a place which is famous for racing, to the continent. You’d be amazed to know they have dedicated racecourses for us. I wish we could have a peek! It's exciting just to imagine, but I wouldn't mind seeing a race for myself. Maybe one day!
There was also the fascinating development of the ‘Riding Academy’ concept, which, as the name suggests, trained humans to ride better! How fancy. Of course, some humans might need more lessons than others – I’ve had my fair share of wobbly riders on my back!
Let’s jump back to a bit about my life. Every day in 1694, I start my day with a gentle groom. A nice rub down with a brush and a quick check for any soreness helps us feel fresh and ready for the day’s activities. We horses, we have our routines – good for us and the people who rely on us! We might have a delicious meal of hay, oats, or a juicy carrot (treats!), then be off to pull the cart, haul goods to the market, or carry passengers around the village.
There are some horses out there, working in carriages, I hear, carrying fancy passengers from one town to another. You see, carriage-riding in the year 1694, especially for wealthier people, is becoming quite the thing, especially in England, a land with lots of beautiful roads for us horses to trot upon.
Speaking of England!
Let me share a little bit about one of the biggest and most exciting things that happened to horses back in 1694. Remember, this year marks a huge event in British history – King William III of Orange, along with Queen Mary, was crowned on 11 April 1694, at Westminster Abbey!
Yes, King William and Queen Mary, the reigning monarchs, they have been great for horses! They are big fans of horse racing, for example. King William has even set up special racing events that help create more racehorses for the country – not only in England but in Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, too! We horses really love the royals’ appreciation for our strengths. It feels like our job in the royal family is valued – for instance, King William’s royal stud is very successful and, thanks to him, many horses are in demand by farmers, the army, and carriage-riders!
Let’s move back to Scotland – there’s a lovely legend of the Selkie – a magical being, a seawolf that can shapeshift into a human, in a Scottish ballad dating from the year 1694! This fascinating myth, of a Selkie and her ‘guiding spirit,’ her beautiful grey stallion, often symbolizes freedom and a connection between land and sea. As a grey horse, I feel that deep, emotional bond – being on the grass, the feel of wind through my mane, the connection to the Earth.
Sometimes when I'm grazing in my field at dawn, I see the misty fog, or the wild birds and the seals in the harbour by the North Sea - it reminds me that horses were important for travel, communication, and the movement of people. And now, in the year 1694, people have started to take to riding on horses to travel across the sea - to new worlds, they say. This time, it’s about riding horses to help reach destinations further than before - to find out what’s on the other side. What exciting times!
Now, a little bit about some more modern ways that humans have thought about improving life for horses. I think, here at Hayfield, my farmer would definitely agree, he looks after me well! We know that humans were thinking a long time ago about horses' nutrition and their overall well-being.
There were some experiments conducted back then to figure out what would be the best food for horses, and a fascinating idea: to make oats into a paste so it is more easily digestible by horses. And do you know what? My owner’s been trying out different types of hay mixtures to figure out what’s the tastiest and most nourishing hay. There’s nothing I love more than good, grassy hay - with a lovely crunch as I munch and savour those delicious aromas. I tell you, there’s always more to learn!
But sometimes, as horses, we need some fun, and we can certainly find it in the world of training. I’m so thankful to have my trainer - we bond over practice and training exercises. We horses really thrive on that deep connection with the humans in our lives.
Back then, they were already starting to make specialized harnesses, saddle, bridles, and all sorts of things to improve the way horses worked. Some folks think that this could be the reason we’re seeing more advanced and complex horses today. What an amazing world of possibilities for horses – and, let’s not forget, humans – to do things better and enjoy each other’s company.
This was just a small look into the year 1694 through my eyes. It was a bustling year in the horse world. But even with the amazing inventions and new discoveries, I find a great sense of contentment in our world as horses - we connect people to the land, to nature, we are a part of daily life and we’re always working hard.
See you in the fields!
Emma, the Hayfield grey draught.
Please comment below – have you heard of any historical tidbits from the year 1694?
