A Year in the Life of a Draught Horse
Hello there, fellow equines! It's Emma here, your resident blogger from the rolling hills of Hayfield near Aberdeen. It's been a while since my last post, as life has been quite busy around here - and I don't mean the usual busy of rolling in mud or chasing the odd butterfly! 1796 has been quite a year, with big changes afoot for all of us, and I'm delighted to share some of them with you in this post.
I'm a grey mare, with a snowy mane and tail that the village children adore (mostly for stroking, although one little one once tried to braid my tail. Oh, the laughs we had!). Now, I’m a good few years old - almost a grand old 20 - and I know my way around the farm, working alongside my strong brethren to ensure the fields are ploughed and the harvest gathered.
This year started off like any other. The frost still clung to the ground when I was awoken at dawn by the farmhands, the sound of their boots echoing through the barn. After a hearty breakfast of oats and a refreshing lick from the water trough, we set off to pull the plough. You see, I'm a draught horse - strong and steady - bred for hard work, and pulling those ploughs through the tough Scottish soil is no mean feat. But I’ll tell you what, there's nothing more satisfying than watching those deep furrows appear behind us, ready for the seed to be sown.
But this year, the talk of the farm wasn’t just the usual chatter about crops and weather. It was about horses. Big, bold changes were afoot!
Firstly, a new type of horse has arrived on the scene - the Highland Pony! They’re small but spirited, sturdy and agile, and are starting to become quite the rage amongst farmers and smallholders. This is big news for the Highland countryside as they're perfect for tackling the uneven terrain of the Highlands, not to mention their ability to thrive in the harshest conditions!
And then, whispers started circulating about a peculiar machine known as the Thrashing Machine! Imagine – no longer do we need to expend so much energy stamping on wheat for hours! It is quite amazing. However, it is creating some anxiety amongst the equine population as the new technology takes on much of our previous work, leading some to question their usefulness. While I do worry for my equine brothers and sisters in those industries, it's good to be aware of the possibilities for the future. It also presents exciting opportunities! Imagine: maybe one day, there will be less of that heavy work, giving us more time for rolling in meadows and enjoying those lovely sunbeam naps.
On a brighter note, there is great news in the world of breeding! A lot of people are focusing on crossbreeding - combining the strengths of different types of horses. It's exciting because it leads to a larger pool of strong and reliable horses. For instance, imagine pairing a powerful Shire with a swift Thoroughbred! What an amazing mix of speed and strength that would be. It opens up possibilities not only for farming but also for transport!
You wouldn’t believe the things I hear around the stables. The world is getting smaller every day - or at least that’s what the old cob called Ginger says. Apparently, people can even write letters to each other across continents now! It’s called the postal service, and some say that even packages can be delivered using wagons pulled by horses. Just imagine – a letter could reach far beyond the Highlands in mere days! This means that, just like us horses, knowledge and ideas are now galloping faster than ever!
I am quite intrigued about these ‘horseless carriages’, the rumour is they’re becoming quite popular in large cities and may eventually take on some of our hauling tasks! Honestly, I’m a bit skeptical. A horse-drawn cart, to me, feels so much more satisfying! However, the world is ever-changing, and we must learn to adapt alongside these new developments.
One thing I have realised though, throughout the years, is that no matter how much things change, horses will always be vital for both work and pleasure. We'll continue to be companions to humans and contribute to the way life is lived in the world around us. I do like to keep my nose to the grindstone – pardon the pun! My job at the farm gives me a purpose, allows me to connect with my community, and even, sometimes, be admired by those little children.
My best friend, Lily - a sleek chestnut mare with a long, flowing mane - tells me there is now a new fashion for ladies' riding habits (meaning how they dress for riding!). Apparently, it’s more stylish and allows ladies to move more freely. Imagine being able to ride comfortably while looking elegant and sophisticated! Lily loves this new trend, and even claims there are new ways for ladies to ride - using lighter saddles. Who knows what marvels this year will bring in the realm of riding and fashion! Perhaps we horses will be involved.
Horse Shows and Events
This year, something wonderful is happening in my homeland – a new annual event – ‘The Highland Games’ – an impressive gathering showcasing the finest horses in the region. Imagine! It will have all kinds of exciting competitions including horse racing, riding competitions and even displays of draught horse strength!
And in London, whispers of the ‘Royal Horse Show’ reach our stable! I heard the royal family are known for their elegant carriages and beautiful horses. The spectacle of so many elegant horses and stylish carriages, all within one space - oh, to see it all with my own eyes!
But before I let my imagination gallop too fast, I've got to tell you all about our farm’s latest additions - a pair of foals, Poppy and Finn. Oh, the mischief those two cause! Running wild in the field, attempting to nip at my heels and attempting to steal carrots from the farmhand's bucket. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve had a moment’s rest! But let’s be honest, there is no joy quite like watching those little ones play and discovering the world around them.
The future of horses seems bright, indeed. Change may be in the air, but I have faith in our species. We have the strength and the spirit to adapt and evolve. And I'm quite certain we’ll continue to leave our hoofprints in history!
Until next time,
Emma
www.equiworld.org
