History of Horses in the year 1710

Greetings from Hayfield!

Well, it’s me, Emma again, back with another blog post. Now, this time, we’re delving into the depths of the year 1710 – a year of truly breathtaking advancements for our equine kin!

Oh, don’t let anyone tell you there wasn’t anything going on in 1710 for horses, dear readers. Yes, it may seem like a good few years away from the glamour of racing events and grand shows that we see nowadays. But trust me, the wheels, hooves, and hearts of history were turning rapidly.

My memory isn’t what it used to be, you see, being a well-aged grey draught mare of 20. It takes a good hard scratch behind the ears and a delicious carrot for me to recall specific events – a horse’s got to have their priorities, right?

Speaking of which, 1710 marked an important year for the development of the “carrot cake,” a delectable delicacy that still tickles our nostrils even today. Don’t tell anyone, but a juicy, bright-orange carrot still holds a special place in my heart to this very day! I imagine some enterprising human with a keen nose and a love for horses whipped up this new treat – let’s all raise a grateful whinny to their invention, wouldn't you say?

But let's talk about things a bit more grand than the sweet treat.

In 1710, our glorious Queen Anne ascended the British throne. Now, I can’t say that my day-to-day life was drastically affected by such a grand event. My day-to-day is pretty straightforward: carting supplies across the countryside, hauling heavy loads in my sturdy carriage, and enjoying the warmth of the sun as it sets behind the Scottish hills.

However, I do know from the stories I've heard, whispered amongst the stable crew, that the Queen’s reign did signify a certain level of renewed respect for the noble steed. Horses played a critical role in warfare, trade, and even transportation for the royal family themselves. I even heard whispers of a new breed being imported, a handsome black steed from across the sea called a ‘Friesian’ – imagine that, black as night with a flowing mane!

Of course, horses are more than just royal steeds. We're a crucial part of life, whether it’s pulling the plows across fields, bringing goods to the market, or carrying a young family to church on Sunday mornings. It is our work that truly keeps this great nation moving.

For my fellow draught horses like me, 1710 saw the continuous evolution of the humble farm horse. Our size, our strength, our ability to adapt – it’s something that deserves to be applauded. We were – and continue to be – the engines that fuelled the British countryside.

You might be wondering, how did the world of horses in 1710 actually shape life in my lovely home in Hayfield near Aberdeen? Well, the impact was profound. The rugged terrains and wild winds called for strong, hardy steeds. And we delivered.

Think of it this way: without a trusty draught horse like me to haul loads and traverse rough terrains, Aberdeen would be far less bustling than it is today! The smell of fresh sea air is carried by the same breeze that pulls my sturdy cart loaded with goods for market. It’s a rhythm I am proud to be a part of.

There is also a beauty in it, in our partnership – the farmer's call for his horse, the rhythmic steps on hard-packed dirt paths, the shared exertion in hauling heavy barrels of herring fresh from the cold North Sea. There's an undeniable trust between man and beast that I think has existed throughout all the years. It’s a deep understanding of shared goals, a silent agreement, an instinctual connection, that I suspect many humans fail to truly comprehend.

1710 was a turning point. While the past held the romance of exploration and daring expeditions, the future held new challenges for us. We horses became part of a growing and evolving industrial landscape. With each year, the wheels of change keep turning. I wonder what the future will bring – new tools, new needs, new forms of work for us. I've already heard of the "steam engine" – what will this invention mean for our beloved craft? I remain optimistic.

And as for me, my journey continues here in the fertile countryside. You can find me pulling my daily load of barley for the brewery, or hauling timber for the shipyards of Aberdeen. I have stories woven in the mane of every horse, each an echo of our resilience and enduring presence in the tapestry of history.