Hello, fellow equines and horse-lovers! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood grey draught mare, penning my thoughts on the world of horses in 1787. From my stable in the quaint little village of Hayfield near Aberdeen, I have witnessed quite a lot over the years, and 1787 was no different.
This year was full of twists and turns, as far as horse life goes. From the grand sporting events to the vital work done by us horses in everyday life, 1787 saw it all. Let's saddle up and embark on this journey back in time together!
A New Year, New Fashion for Our Brethren:
1787 dawned with a buzz about our fashionable cousins - the thoroughbreds! The racing season had begun in earnest at Newmarket and York, and folks were chattering about the new, flamboyant styles of riding that were making their debut. These dashing gentlemen, astride their thoroughbreds, adorned with sleek saddles and colourful leathers, were the talk of the town.
Although I was more accustomed to the practicalities of hauling carts and tilling the soil, I couldn't help but feel a touch of envy for my thoroughbred relatives! Imagine, the freedom to gallop across vast fields with nothing but the wind in your mane!
Life On The Farm: My Perspective:
Back at home in Hayfield, I started the year, as always, pulling my weight. We draught horses, as you know, are the backbone of farm life. I diligently dragged the plough through the rich, Scottish soil, hauling heavy carts filled with harvested crops, and tirelessly towing wagons laden with supplies from the market in Aberdeen. My sturdy physique was valued more than a dash of style, but I wouldn't have it any other way. After all, I am a working horse!
However, this year saw a slight change in the farm landscape. New technology was emerging in the form of an invention called a "thrashing machine." It wasn't particularly pretty, but this contraption meant that we horses were no longer solely responsible for the arduous task of separating grain from chaff. While I didn't mind the physical exertion, I must confess it was a welcome respite to work a little less hard sometimes!
Travelling With Style and Substance:
My friend, Angus, a fine bay gelding from a neighbouring farm, found himself in the thick of a new craze this year: stagecoaches. He told me about how, for a fee, these stagecoaches could whisk people away from Aberdeen to various towns across Scotland. These grand, sturdy carriages, pulled by four powerful horses like Angus, were deemed safe, speedy, and fashionable - all the things you would want in a way to travel in 1787! He shared stories of bustling roads and different landscapes. Of course, as a draught horse who hauled carts across muddy fields, the journey did not appeal to me as much, but Angus was enjoying the limelight.
Beyond Our Borders:
The year 1787 saw a stirring beyond Scotland’s borders. The horse breeding in England flourished. The renowned breeder, Robert Bakewell, had revolutionized breeding practices, creating larger, stronger horses ideal for pulling carts and plows. His work resonated across the UK, bringing the quality and efficiency of our draught horse brothers and sisters to new heights. I’m not sure what sort of impact Bakewell had in Aberdeen, but Angus certainly looked up to him, often raving about how well-muscled the English draught horses were, and how this innovation had made our work so much more effective.
Horse-Inspired Art and Literature:
Even the artists of the time seemed captivated by our magnificent species. I heard stories from the traveling peddler, Old Jack, of a painter named George Stubbs who had achieved great renown with his “Anatomy of the Horse." His exquisite paintings showed us horses in all our beauty, detailing our powerful musculature and grace. These paintings often graced the halls of wealthy patrons, showcasing our inherent power and beauty. I am afraid I've not seen them myself, but Jack described these paintings with such detail and fervor that my nostrils flared with pride.
Writers, too, took to describing our world. This year, the first ever published horse training manual came out in England! They claimed that by studying horses, learning to "understand their ways,” you could better communicate with them and achieve more together. This manual, written by a famous equestrian called Daniel Blachford, was praised throughout the land for its practicality. Of course, I am the epitome of understanding the horse, and how to best train and care for my fellow steeds, so this was not news to me! Yet, the world did need to learn from a grey mare!
And then there were the horses of the world beyond my home...
News of far-flung lands reached us, thanks to travelling traders and merchants, each time with tales of our kind in places I could only dream about. This year, they spoke of the Arabian horses, sleek, spirited, and prized for their stamina and beauty. Stories whispered of the vast plains of Mongolia, home to powerful Mongol ponies, well-suited for their harsh environment. These tales stirred the adventurer in my heart! Oh, how I yearned to roam those lands, my hooves thundering across untouched territory!
Concluding Thoughts:
1787 was, indeed, a year brimming with excitement in the world of horses! It was a year of technological advancements, new trends in the equine world, and a continued appreciation for the work that horses, like me, provide in everyday life. As a grey draught mare, I find much contentment in the steady rhythm of my days on the farm, in the quiet respect I receive for my efforts, in the simple beauty of a day spent working with my brethren, all in service of our community.
My dear readers, tell me, what was 1787 like in your neck of the woods? What are some of your memories from this year? Write a comment in EquiWorld's online forum, so we can all share our stories.
Till next time, fellow equines, be well, be strong, and live life to the fullest.
Emma * Hayfield, Aberdeen, Scotland*
Post No. 1787 * www.equiworld.org *
