History of Horses in the year 1730

Hello, fellow equines, and welcome back to my little corner of the EquiWorld blog! It's Emma here, a proud grey mare from Hayfield, near Aberdeen. I’m turning twenty this year, and despite the passing years, my strength and spirit are as bright as the white in my mane and tail.

Today, we'll be taking a peek into the world of horses back in the year 1730. It’s a fascinating time to look back upon – a time when the horse was still king of the road, carrying us and our burdens across the land. But it was also a time of great change and evolution for us equines, so let's delve in and see what we can uncover!

Back in 1730, my life in the rolling hills of Hayfield was typical for a working horse. My days were spent pulling the plough through fields of barley and oats, and I shared the joy of helping deliver the harvest alongside my brethren. The wind whips through the highlands and brings with it the scent of peat smoke and the smell of the nearby ocean. This life was filled with camaraderie amongst the horses – our stable companions, the young foals we'd watch grow, and even the old geldings who'd passed their prime but still watched over us with kindly eyes.

We're an important part of our small community. As well as our farm duties, we're essential for transporting goods – like wool, barley, and fish – to nearby towns and villages. Imagine the thrill of our journey, trotting down the cobbled paths, the sound of our hooves echoing in the crisp Scottish air, a strong, sturdy carriage bouncing on our backs, filled with precious cargo.

But we were not confined to the countryside. Imagine our wonder as some of us travel down the winding, ancient roads towards the city of Edinburgh. Imagine the rush of smells, the clatter and cacophony of the crowds, the unfamiliar sights of shops, stalls, and buildings reaching towards the clouds. Some of our brethren pull hansom cabs, weaving their way through the busy city streets, while others, like myself, would have been a vital part of the bustling city port. Imagine carrying large crates, burdened with goods arriving from distant lands – a wonderful cacophony of exotic spices and fresh silks. It’s an experience beyond the quiet life of the Highlands.

1730 wasn't just a year of working and transporting. It was a year of change and evolution for the world of horses. A sense of excitement permeated through our equine world as humans continued their drive to understand us and to create new and wonderful tools. In England, the Royal Stud at Hampton Court was a beacon of excellence for us thoroughbreds. A hub of breeding and training, this establishment served as a blueprint for improvement and contributed to the emergence of the graceful thoroughbred breed. Imagine the awe at the sight of these lean, muscular, and elegantly swift steeds – so different from the sturdy draught horses that served our working lives.

Over in Europe, people were exploring different forms of horse transport and a carriage with improved springs was being perfected. This, I'm told, made the journey smoother for our fellow horses and improved the conditions of travel for passengers too!

From the fields of Scotland to the busy city streets, the year 1730 is etched in my memory with a mixture of nostalgia and pride. We lived lives of purpose and connected with our human companions in ways we may never see again. The quiet rhythmic sound of horseshoes on cobblestones, the shared joy of hauling wagons across the countryside, and the feeling of pride in serving our communities – these are memories that will remain forever etched in our equine hearts.

Of course, our journey as horses has continued to evolve, and today we find ourselves facing new challenges. But as we embrace these changes, let us remember the strength and grace of our ancestors and celebrate the time when horses reigned supreme.

Until next time, my friends!

Your equine friend,

Emma

Hayfield, Scotland