From My Stable to Your Screen: 1768, The Year the Wind Blew Cold
Hello, fellow equines! It’s Emma, your trusty draught mare from Hayfield near Aberdeen, back with another post from my equine diary! This week, we’re galloping back in time to the year 1768, a year etched in my memory not just for the icy winter winds, but for some truly significant events in the world of horses!
You see, the year 1768 saw horses like me take on some truly groundbreaking roles. We were no longer just the muscles of the fields and farms, but the wheels turning progress and shaping the very future of our world!
The year started, as it always does here in the Scottish Highlands, with a biting frost. As a draught horse, my strength is a source of pride, and I put it to good use hauling the heaviest carts, transporting goods between villages. There was always a warmth that filled me seeing those carts overflowing with things like coal and textiles, carrying them far and wide, from the bustling port of Aberdeen to the cozy cottages in the surrounding countryside.
The Race to the Future
Now, while my days were spent hauling, across the world in England, the fancy thoroughbreds were making their own mark, competing on racetracks. It's said the English had a mania for speed and that a new kind of sporting spirit was blossoming. People would gather from far and wide just to watch horses like those beauties fly past in a blur of speed. They tell me that races like these were so popular, the Queen even began to attend, making the whole thing very fashionable! Imagine, horses with such beauty and grace bringing crowds to their feet!
Speaking of the Queen, did you know she's had her own private stud since the reign of Charles II? They say that the queen, good soul that she is, truly loves horses. Imagine, that love translates into a whole stud just for the Royal Family. I often wonder what kind of stalls and hay they get. It’s always good to dream!
Not All That Glitters Is Gold
1768 also witnessed a very unsettling trend that even reached the ears of my farmer. I remember listening intently as the farmers were talking about “The Curse of the Horse”. It seemed a deadly disease had plagued the equine world, especially in parts of Europe, and they spoke with fear in their voices of "The St. Anthony's Fire." Now, even us horses know a disease is never good news, especially when it makes our coats rough and makes us sweat. The thought of such a painful end left even the bravest horses trembling. It was a sad reminder of how our fate is connected to the weather, the soil, and the winds of change.
Our Unsung Heroes
Despite the disease, our brethren in France were demonstrating what real equine strength was about! They say horses were playing a vital part in moving large stones, hauling goods on newly constructed roads. Can you believe that they are using our power to build whole new networks, connecting towns and villages? It fills me with pride knowing that our power helps build the future. Perhaps one day they'll make roads to our villages too! Imagine how easy it would be to transport those heavy loads from our fields to the market!
A Change is Coming
1768 was indeed a significant year, marking the start of something bigger, more modern. It was the year where people realized our potential, saw the power and beauty within us. Horses weren't just beasts of burden, they were machines of progress. They were a reflection of grace and strength. And I can’t wait to see how the years to come shape our role in the world.
Next Time
Come back next week, when I'll be sharing my thoughts on the exciting changes coming to the world of horses in 1769! Remember to leave a comment if you want to tell me your story from this year, what your role was, what you think about the upcoming changes - the more the merrier! And always remember to stay true to your equine spirit, my friends!
