Hello dear friends! It's Emma here, your favourite grey draught horse with a love for history, from Hayfield near Aberdeen. As always, I'm thrilled to share my thoughts on the world of horses in the year 1713!
A Year of Change:
This year feels very much like a turning point, much like the moment the sun breaks through after a long, dark winter. There's a buzz in the air, an excitement that courses through every muscle of my strong body.
1713 was a year of change and it started right here in my lovely Scotland. We are still under the watchful eye of Queen Anne, and I feel proud to live in a land that is home to such a strong and powerful monarch. The Act of Union was a momentous event this year, joining Scotland with England and Wales to create the United Kingdom. It's difficult for me to fully understand the politics, but I can feel a change in the air - a change that comes with strength and possibility.
And as the world starts to change around us, we horses feel it too! While farming has always been a core part of our lives, there's a shift towards new techniques, a desire to improve what we do. The first ever “drill plow”, a type of plow that creates rows for sowing seeds, was introduced this year. The thought of this amazing innovation makes me whinny with excitement! I can already feel a difference in the fields, a sense of progress that is truly exciting.
Harnessing Power:
Of course, what would any of this change mean without us horses? We are the true powerhouses of this era, the lifeblood of industry and progress. In the busy city streets, you can often see us pulling carriages carrying everything from passengers to goods. It's a noble duty and I love feeling the rhythm of the cobblestones beneath my hooves.
Speaking of carriages, 1713 saw the birth of the first ever four-wheeled carriage. The thought of being pulled through such a grand creation brings a happy tremor to my mane! What a magnificent invention! It's so exciting to be part of a world that is constantly looking for new ways to move forward and I can't wait to see what the future holds.
Celebrating our Strength:
Our strength isn't only about moving things and carrying people. We also play a vital role in recreation and sport! This year saw the creation of Newmarket, a new racecourse near Cambridge. I've heard tales of breathtaking races with powerful horses running with breathtaking speed, all competing for the glory of victory.
What a sight! Newmarket is destined to become a central point in the world of racing, where people will come from all over to watch these exciting contests.
The racing world is brimming with new life and new possibilities, with horses being bred specifically for speed and agility. And the whole nation celebrates! It's fascinating to see humans marvel at the incredible power and athleticism we possess. I even heard whispers of the first Jockey Club being established - what a sign of the time!
Keeping Our Hoofbeats Strong:
Despite the incredible advancements, we also face challenges. 1713 brought a severe famine to the French countryside. The winter was cold, with heavy snowfalls. I hear that this caused crop failures and that many animals had to struggle to survive. I worry for those fellow horses in a country so far away, I hope they can make it through. I am thankful for the generosity of the people here, who always look out for the welfare of their animals.
Despite these challenges, there is always something positive to look forward to. The new year holds new promise, and with the coming of spring, there is a hopeful feeling in the air. The fresh green shoots of grass provide a fresh start, a chance for renewal and growth.
From My Heart to Yours:
This blog is all about horses - sharing the magic and wonder of our existence in the grand tapestry of human history. It’s been wonderful to share these thoughts with you! Keep your ears open to the stories of your local horses and don't forget to follow along on my adventures. I can't wait to hear your stories and share mine with you.
Until next time!
Emma www.equiworld.org
Note: Emma is just one perspective! There are many more stories about horses in the year 1713! What are YOUR experiences? What have YOU heard about life as a horse back then? Leave a comment below!
