Hello, dear equine friends! It's Emma here, a young grey mare with a heart full of spirit and a tail as white as freshly fallen snow. I’m writing to you from my peaceful home in Hayfield, near Aberdeen. It’s a bit nippy here in Scotland today, but I feel grateful for the warm stable I call my own, especially after a busy day hauling heavy carts to market.
This year, 1739, is shaping up to be quite an interesting one for us horses. I feel like things are truly changing, especially for our strong and sturdy brethren here in the lowlands. It feels like the world is looking to Clydesdale horses with renewed interest, and my, oh my, it feels rather grand!
You see, we Clydesdales have always been hard-working souls, used to hauling the heavy loads that kept the people fed and clothed. We are the backbone of our local economy, pulling carts full of farm goods, sturdy enough for even the roughest roads, and so patient we can even carry heavy loads for long distances. The farmers here tell stories about our ancestors pulling their ploughs through the tough Highland soil, the sturdy draught horses with strong backs and sure hooves that have been relied upon for generations. And I must say, they’re certainly not wrong. We have strong bloodlines and carry that lineage with pride.
This year, however, there’s a special kind of excitement in the air, one that vibrates with the sound of iron wheels on cobblestone streets. Why? Because, you see, the gentlemen of industry are taking notice of us! A wave of change is sweeping across the country, fuelled by a newly found passion for moving goods from place to place. You see, a special thing called the Turnpike Act came into effect earlier this year, making roads much smoother and quicker for travelling and trade. It's almost as if the very land itself wants us horses to take centre stage, with a brand new emphasis on hauling. And guess who's perfectly suited to do just that? You got it - the Clydesdales!
As a proud member of the breed, I can’t help but feel a little bit special this year. Even now, as I write this, a lovely young stable lad, Jamie, has come to tell me that I’ll be heading off to a special trade show next week. Apparently, some gentlemen from Edinburgh will be attending, hoping to select a Clydesdale mare for a brand new enterprise, and wouldn't you know it, I was chosen!
It makes me feel so important. And it’s not just me, it seems! There's a newfound demand for sturdy draught horses across the land. Just last week, I heard news of a group of horses travelling from Aberdeen to London to help move goods between these bustling centres. London itself is bursting with new found energy. It’s a world I haven’t yet seen, full of grand houses and tall chimneys that seem to lick at the sky. There's something wonderful happening there, I hear, where horses like me are more important than ever.
Now, let's be honest, sometimes we’re just called upon for our brute strength and sheer determination. And honestly? There are times I long for a long, meandering walk through the rolling countryside, to feel the crisp wind on my mane, the sweet scent of heather filling my nostrils. But I know my duty lies in helping others.
But hey, maybe I’ll get the chance to explore that wondrous London too one day!
One of the things I adore about being a horse, particularly in these exciting times, is the incredible diversity of work that we do. Just think about it: some of my brethren are dashing about on the grandest estates, pulling carriages for the gentry, or acting as brave and loyal companions for those who go to war. There are those that pull the great plows, keeping the crops strong, or those like me, transporting goods and necessities for a town's survival. We horses play so many roles! We are the companions, the helpers, the workers and the companions to all who cross our paths.
This year, 1739, has a particularly delightful buzz surrounding the carriage horses, specifically those from the prestigious London Coaching Yards. You see, those magnificent horses are the embodiment of elegance and speed, with their grand coats, shining hooves and powerful presence. They’re the stars of the city, the symbols of prosperity and refinement. Just the thought of those elegant carriages gliding through the cobbled streets of London is enough to send shivers down my spine! I hear some of them have even learned to dance to music, imagine! Perhaps someday I’ll travel south to London and witness such things for myself.
There's more, dear reader. Did you hear the news? The Queen herself, Queen Anne, passed away earlier this year, leaving the throne to her beloved husband, King George II. As you know, kings and queens play an essential role in keeping the world spinning, and with the passing of a reign, comes the start of a new one. With this change comes an anticipation, a hope that the new reign will be full of prosperity and peace, even for us horses!
On the subject of royalty, you should hear about the royal riding school in Vienna, where some horses spend their lives mastering intricate, elegant movements. The beauty of these moves fills the world with wonder, and even I can't help but imagine my hooves tapping out those grand and graceful sequences.
The year 1739, though brimming with change, is also a time for reflection and for strengthening the bonds we share with our human friends. I hear stories of the work being done with horses in military settings. While it's always heartbreaking to know that horses are used in warfare, I’m comforted to hear that there’s a strong focus on respecting and caring for our brothers and sisters in service. They need every ounce of courage and support we can give them.
It feels like we are in the midst of a period of profound change for the equine world, and it’s exhilarating. Our strength, speed, and dedication have brought us to the fore of an evolving world, and I, for one, feel privileged to play a part in it all. I can only imagine what magnificent wonders await us in the future.
So, as you saddle up for a new week, my dear fellow horses, keep your heads high and your hooves steady. Remember the bond that unites us, a shared spirit that yearns for freedom, a deep-seated love for our human companions, and a sense of purpose that runs through our very being.
Happy trails to you all!
Emma
P.S. If you find yourselves in Hayfield, be sure to stop by for a chat. I'd love to hear all about your adventures too!
