Hello fellow equines, and welcome back to my blog! I’m Emma, a grey draught horse with a white mane and tail, and today, I’m going to take you on a journey through the year 1763, a year that was full of changes for me and for the entire horse world.
I’m a bit of a history buff, you see. I find it fascinating to look back and see how our equine lives have evolved. You can say it’s my way of keeping busy. The weather is quite cold and snowy in the Highlands of Scotland, and we draught horses aren’t the most elegant of creatures, but I am incredibly interested in how life was in different parts of the world!
From the Rolling Hills of Hayfield
1763 dawned on a crisp winter’s day in Hayfield, near Aberdeen, Scotland. I’m not going to lie; the fields were often buried under thick layers of snow. This makes me long for those lush green pastures, full of succulent grass that we used to enjoy. Oh, how I remember them! And that delicious oats! Still, the hay they provided us was not bad either.
That winter, the weather made it quite difficult to move around. It seems we draught horses were always in high demand! The heavy carts we hauled took many more horses than usual to get through the snowdrifts. But I loved the challenge, being a sturdy, well-built horse with a kind heart. My hooves had to keep moving, and I didn't mind one bit!
We were especially busy moving barley, a key ingredient in beer and whiskey, and coal. Our human companions were quick to use our strength to make their lives easier. That’s why they always say, "You have the heart of a worker, Emma." My human friends tell me my strength is almost like a powerful ocean current. I find it funny. They just think we are strong workhorses, nothing more. I am just doing my bit, so to speak!
We weren't all carting loads, though. We draught horses also worked the land. We pulled heavy plows to turn the soil for crops like turnips, barley and oats. We are vital for feeding the people of this nation and even the whole of Europe!
I must mention that a good horse must look out for the others in their group. I helped some of the younger horses with their pulling tasks. We all work as a team. Sometimes I saw a young filly who was having trouble understanding the heavy weight. I would stay beside them, giving a little tug to the harness just to encourage them and make the journey a little smoother.
And sometimes, we got to see the open country when they took us out for the 'Great Scottish Drive'. It was a long journey, and some of the foals in the group would get tired, but there was always one of us to help them! My family has been doing the Great Scottish Drive for many generations, and it never fails to amaze me with the beauty of our land. It’s something every horse needs to see at least once! The rolling green hills, the fresh mountain air and the stunning rivers are so inspiring!
It wasn’t all work though. One particular evening, I saw the stars so clearly. I lay down, resting in the soft, warm earth as they danced overhead. We draught horses might be busy with our duties, but it's the small things in life that truly make it beautiful.
Life in London
My life in the Highlands was interesting. Yet, the stories about life in the bustling metropolis, London, filled me with awe!
Even though the King had just declared peace after the long war with France, it was said London was still full of horses carrying loads of cargo, people and mail to the surrounding cities. That’s the great thing about us horses - we can go almost anywhere!
My dear cousin, Elsie, has a distant relative called Penelope. You would not believe her story. Apparently, Penelope works at the stables in the royal court of George III. I could tell you all about it - but she asked me to keep her secret. She was asked to carry the queen on one of the most beautiful horses you ever saw. I was absolutely in awe of this! Elsie said she had seen some magnificent carriage horses from a nearby stable in her town. And she claimed that her friend was a ‘lady in waiting’ to Queen Charlotte!
These London stables also played a crucial role in a new type of horse competition! Apparently, horses that move with speed and grace can win prizes at places called ‘races’. This had me incredibly fascinated as a draught horse! You should have seen my excitement. Elsie kept saying “slow horses should never go near those racetracks.” But, how exciting would that be! I longed to race! Perhaps, I could find a good way to have a quick sprint every now and then! My friend, Agnes, said her brother was thinking of having a race among all the horses that belonged to farmers! Perhaps I will take part in a little race, just to make Agnes happy!
One more fascinating thing I heard is about London and horses! Apparently, a ‘Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce’ created the ‘Cart Horse Race’ in Hyde Park, to promote horses working with carts! You should have seen Elsie’s excitement as she explained.
London was the city where everything new and interesting happened! That's a wonderful thing, considering the pace of life here! It would have been magical to experience this fast-paced city!
More Horses Than Just Carts and Plows!
Now, my journey wouldn’t be complete without mentioning some of the other incredible horses in the world. Have you heard of the Arabs? Apparently, they are famous for their endurance and stamina, with the strongest, sleekest legs I've ever heard of. They say they're built for running vast distances, travelling from one desert oasis to the next. Just imagine that! I love these stories of incredible strength. They have a heart just like us workhorses!
But in all honesty, my favorite breed is still the Clydesdale, like me. I would have to admit, they’re handsome creatures - and let's not forget, the true powerhouse of the farm! You can’t beat them for their power, their ability to handle the heaviest loads with strength and grace! They even come with fluffy feathering on their hooves. Isn’t it amazing! The feathering even seems to wave in the wind, with every step. Imagine!
However, these aren’t the only breeds, and not just cart horses, too! There are breeds like the thoroughbreds who have incredibly high speeds, the elegant Shire horses known for their gentle disposition and even the beautiful miniature horses - you won't believe how small they are.
They all carry the spirit of the wild in them! As the horse is a noble creature, just as much as we all are, all these varieties have their roles to play in shaping history. From the battlefields to the fields, horses were involved in every event! What an incredible bond we have with the world!
More Than Just History
We are more than just tools, my dear fellow horses! I hope that 1763, and its many changes and stories, remind us that even the smallest of us can play a part in shaping the world, no matter where we are.
For now, let me conclude with a warm wish to my fellow horses across the globe! You might be in the field, the stable, a racetrack or even in the wild - know that we all have our own unique and vital role to play. That's why it's truly our duty to live the best of our lives! And I hope you join me next year, as we look into another year of equine history, with even more exciting tales. Until then, good luck with your work and enjoy every minute of life! Stay safe! And don't forget to cherish your fellow horse friends.
