Welcome back, fellow equine enthusiasts! Emma here, your trusty grey draught mare from the bonnie hills of Hayfield, near Aberdeen. The crisp Highland air is already nipping at my nostrils, reminding me that winter is fast approaching. But before the snow falls and blankets our fields in white, I wanted to share some thrilling developments from the past year in the world of horses. Buckle up, because 1794 was a year brimming with equine innovation!
First and foremost, let me tell you about my own experiences. The life of a draught horse in Hayfield is a good one. The fields are abundant, the work steady, and my master, a kind man named Alistair, treats me with the respect and care I deserve. Every morning, we trundle to the local mill, where the rhythmic, satisfying thrum of the grindstones and the pungent smell of freshly ground grain greet us.
We're essential to the life of Hayfield, moving grain, hauling goods, and even ploughing the fields for the coming spring planting. And while the work is hard, it’s a noble service. I love feeling the sun warm my back as I plod along the roads, enjoying the gentle swaying motion as I carry my burdens.
But 1794 has been a year of much change even for us Hayfield horses. You see, a new carriage arrived in the village – a marvel of modern engineering with springs that allow for a smooth ride. Alistair took me into town to see it – the craftsmanship was astounding!
He told me, "This is a phaeton, a new kind of carriage. It will change travel." He explained that the phaeton, powered by horses like us, offered a much more comfortable and efficient mode of transport than the cumbersome old coaches we used before. Alistair, a man of both logic and sentiment, believes it will usher in a new age of fast and efficient transportation.
I saw excitement in his eyes, and even though my head was only level with his knees, I could tell he saw this new invention as something truly transformative. It made me wonder about the possibilities for horses in the future.
This new kind of travel wasn't limited to carriages either. You know what else is stirring in the equine world? Racehorses! You might be surprised, but 1794 was the year the Jockey Club, an organization responsible for horse racing in England, finally recognized the growing importance of thoroughbreds as racing animals. It was quite the breakthrough for these sleek, elegant steeds who rely on speed rather than strength to claim victory.
From my vantage point in Hayfield, these thoroughbreds were an almost mythical breed, stories of them raced about by travellers. The stories were as much legend as fact, but it felt almost like another world of horsemanship entirely. These horses were bred purely for speed, for racing, for sport. Their grace was intoxicating. They were like a dance on the breeze.
And then there is the world of riding. Throughout this year, I have heard tell of a revolution in riding techniques – a method called “Natural Horsemanship.”
It emphasizes a more gentle and understanding approach to horse training, one that acknowledges horses as intelligent and sensitive creatures deserving of respect, not fear. It's based on mutual trust and understanding between horse and rider, and encourages partnership, communication and respect.
These changes - the carriages, the races, and this "Natural Horsemanship" - were all whispered through the villages by travelers, alongside tales of faraway lands and exotic animals. It makes me wonder if, like my dear Alistair with his new phaeton, people are realizing that horses have the potential to do much more than simply work and carry loads. We could be much more than simple labourers, you know.
Here in Hayfield, it has given rise to something new as well – the creation of a "Horse Club." A group of women and men in our village meet regularly to discuss the latest in equine matters, share their love of horses, and, of course, admire my gorgeous white tail! I give them plenty of advice as well, though it is mainly to do with the best hay, or how to soothe an irritated hoof.
It's wonderful to share stories about horses, and our connections to them, and learn more about these powerful creatures, their role in our lives, and how their very presence inspires innovation and brings us together.
One day, the Horse Club will even organize an exhibition. They plan on gathering horses of all kinds for the Hayfield community to witness and admire – draught horses like me, the sleek thoroughbreds, and even, the locals told me, “hunters” bred for the sport of riding over fences! It's truly a dazzling array of equine talent that will be on show, proof that even a humble horse like me has something to share and contribute.
Perhaps the biggest news in the world of horses though has nothing to do with travel or sporting prowess but instead, with health! I've heard rumours of a very famous veterinarian who has devised new techniques and treatments for horses – they call him, “Mr. Blaine.”
This man has done groundbreaking work in fighting a disease that often cripples our equine companions - glanders! He's shown that this deadly illness can be treated and even cured through the careful application of medicine. What a truly astounding breakthrough! He even talks of developing preventative methods – now that is truly something worth celebrating.
This brings me to a topic close to my own heart. My dear mother, a magnificent bay mare called Willow, died earlier this year from what they called "distemper." This illness is prevalent among foals, robbing them of their strength and vitality, making them vulnerable to all kinds of other problems.
I remember watching her weaken, her once bright eyes clouded and her powerful limbs heavy and lifeless. I had never seen my mother so vulnerable, so unable to fight against a force she could not see, let alone control.
That’s why the news of Mr. Blaine’s discoveries was so deeply impactful for me, even though I haven’t had the privilege of meeting him. It makes me hope for the future of foals everywhere, that they will be free from the threat of illness, strong and healthy, capable of leading full lives like their mothers.
All these stories, the carriages, the racing horses, the “Natural Horsemanship,” the veterinarian’s discoveries - these developments in the year 1794, remind us of horses’ enduring role in shaping human progress.
Here in Hayfield, it makes me feel hopeful and proud to be part of something bigger, to be more than just a working horse, but to represent a world that is brimming with possibility, a world in which humans and horses are partners in progress.
My own life in Hayfield is one of hard work and reward. I enjoy my work, the strong camaraderie with other horses, and my loving owner, Alistair. I feel fortunate, blessed to be part of this story – the grand story of the horse.
Remember to check in again soon, my dear readers. I’ll keep you updated on all the equine adventures that life in Hayfield has to offer! You can find more of my stories on www.equiworld.org, your go-to portal for all things horse!
Until next time!
