Greetings, fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, a grey draught mare with a splash of white in my mane and tail. My home is in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, and the year is 1696. This blog post isn’t just about me though, oh no, it’s about all of us! It's about our place in the world, our triumphs, and even the challenges we face. Buckle up, my dears, it’s going to be a long, fascinating journey back in time.
So, where were we in the grand scheme of history, back in 1696? Well, if you ask a human, they might tell you that we're in the heart of the "Golden Age of Piracy"! But frankly, pirates haven't had much of an impact on my day-to-day life, thankfully. What has been making waves is something much more familiar: a quiet revolution in how horses like me are used.
It started, I think, with the increased trade between England and her colonies. Suddenly, there was more need for us sturdy horses to haul goods across the country and beyond. Farmers and merchants are investing in the latest in carts and wagons. Mine's got wheels, can you believe it? It was a wondrous sight when it arrived! I even get a lovely woven rug to keep my coat clean and shiny. That's the luxury of being a draught mare, my dears - we’re more than just transport, we're vital for commerce!
Speaking of vital, remember those dashing stallions, all sleek coats and long strides? Those are the ones doing well at the racetrack. They say a grand, impressive show of speed was organised in Newmarket this year, and the whole of London went wild for it! The noble, powerful Thoroughbreds really know how to put on a show. Makes my heart swell just imagining them soaring across the finish line. Now that’s a feat I can truly appreciate!
But don't get too focused on speed and grandeur, there's another side to the story. My neighbour, Daisy, is a small, sturdy mare. She's not for racing, nor for hauling goods. Her life is about patience and care. Daisy's task? Pulling the sturdy plough that breaks the stubborn soil. Her strength is in slow, steady work, the backbone of every farmer's life. Her work ensures a harvest for everyone – a humble task, but a necessary one, wouldn't you say?
While life as a draught horse is demanding, it’s also immensely rewarding. We feel the satisfaction of knowing our strength is vital to society, helping to feed people and transport goods. In the past, I remember the struggles - not enough hay, the harsh winters, illness... Those were tough times. Yet, our kind have survived. We've adapted, learned to pull, learned to cooperate with the human world. I feel proud knowing that I'm a part of this, part of a larger story, a story of resilience and the connection between humans and animals.
As 1696 fades into the pages of time, I look forward to the future, not with apprehension, but with hope. This is an era of progress, where we, the horses, play an invaluable role. It’s our job to keep things moving, to work tirelessly for a world that’s increasingly dependent on our strength. We're more than just horses, my dears. We are part of the very fabric of life, and we will keep our hooves on the ground, steadily carrying the burden of progress, together.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I hear a wagonload of grain coming my way. It’s time to eat, to rest, to gather strength for the long journey ahead. Until next time, may your stables be warm and your hooves always strong!
Emma Hayfield, Aberdeen www.equiworld.org
