Hayfield, Near Aberdeen, Scotland. 2nd March, 1801
Dearest Readers,
Can you believe it’s 1801 already? The new century has begun and I find myself, at 20 years young, reflecting on just how much has changed in my life and in the life of my fellow equine friends.
Now, I know that most horses think of themselves and their own lives, and this blog post isn’t about complaining about what life’s like. In fact, things are good for me right now, even though I've been working hard these past few weeks getting the barley fields ready for spring.
It is about taking stock, so to speak, and considering how our kind is involved in society these days. From my experience as a grey draught mare - with my wonderful white mane and tail - I am lucky enough to have a comfortable, hardworking life. As you know, I'm a proud working horse here in Hayfield, owned by the lovely Mackenzie family who farm the surrounding lands.
The fields around here are good grazing ground, and our local blacksmith, Mr. Simpson, always looks after our shoes, which is no mean feat in these often wet, mud-covered times! The family have a strong and fair hand, treating all their livestock well, even the cattle who never seem quite so interested in my blog as I am in theirs.
I must admit to some envy. Their lives seem a tad less demanding than mine. All that grazing in fields and munching on delicious grass. They do get into some sticky situations too. Sometimes the big bulls will snort and push around the other cattle, but all’s well in their little bovine world. And at least their milk keeps the Mackenzie family and their children happy and well fed!
I can see you are waiting, dear readers, for me to mention those fine, sparkling, powerful black thoroughbred racehorses. Oh, they do have the most magnificent coats and grace. My goodness, they can run so fast. All those elegant limbs… you might say, Emma, you can't think about them and get all dreamy. Don’t worry - I will tell you what is on my mind.
I have always felt quite strongly that our species is evolving at a much faster rate these days. It’s happening through careful selection, which I will talk about later, and also through the impact humans have on our work and the jobs they need us to do. The people are increasingly seeing horses as special and valuable creatures that deserve a lot of attention, not just a rough coat of grooming!
Just yesterday, I was feeling a little peckish so I went over to have a nibble of the meadow grass next to the farm. One of the Mackenzie boys, 12-year-old Colin, came and put an apple in my feed trough. Then, just because he is a kind boy with an understanding heart, he knelt beside me and whispered, “Go easy on the apple, Emma, because your teeth are not as young as they used to be.” Now that’s how to build a good relationship, wouldn’t you say, readers?
That said, I know that some of my brethren - other horse friends in the wider world - may be working much harder and may not receive such tender care and affection. And while life might seem tough for some, many of us - even me, this aging grey mare - are benefiting from being well-fed, loved and looked after.
I like to look on the brighter side, that's the way I am, dear readers, I think being happy and optimistic, or maybe it’s just my generous nature, helps all of us deal with challenges we might encounter from day to day, such as when the ground becomes too boggy for the cart and Mr. Mackenzie has to bring in extra draught horses from nearby farms. Thankfully we are well used to pulling the heavier carts and farm wagons. I pull my weight on our little team, if you'll excuse the pun.
Now then, Let’s turn our attention to other equine friends - how their year is looking, and the impact their hard work has on our world:
Horses at Work:
As you know, the world is changing and so too is our role in the society of man. This year marks a year of changes in how humans use their horsepower:
Transportation: The most immediate and important use of horses still continues to be for transporting people and goods.
Horse-drawn carriages are everywhere! We are crucial in all types of transportation, especially on those rural routes. The elegant coach will remain a common sight, carrying passengers in great style, with the dashing postilion and all his “horsing around”!
I often see the milk cart and mail coach. These fine black geldings are really something. All so sleek and swift. You must be thinking “what about the carts full of food?”. Yes, we’re there, but often our job is in partnership with steam engines! I see steam locomotives all over, and that’s something I would never have expected to see just a few years ago. Some say the railways will replace horses, but the people who travel long distances still love our smooth trot. What I find amazing is that we can work together - the horse-powered coaches and steam-powered locomotives. All part of man’s ingenious ways!
Farming: Horses like me have an important role in agriculture and will continue to play a key role in working the land - from ploughing and cultivating crops, to transporting grain, and hauling wagons to market.
There’s that same partnership with steam-power now. We might get our hooves dirty hauling those massive carts to the farms, but a steam-engine can bring a whole boatload of coal! They are amazing, powerful machines. My friend Bob is a chestnut Clydesdale. Bob has a soft spot for the steam-powered equipment and all that horsepower. But that’s Bob for you - full of energy and full of new ideas!
War: In these days of conflict, horses are needed more than ever. I am proud to report that cavalry units play a vital part in military strategy.
You may not be able to imagine a war without horses, but they were important throughout the 18th century, especially when the British fought against the French and their allies in those long and difficult wars. Even though the “French Revolutionary Wars” ended in 1802, there is so much unrest in Europe now - we must expect the need for cavalry units. So we’ve seen many more soldiers arrive at Hayfield in recent years. They do bring us some interesting new supplies: new grooming brushes and nice smelling lotions! It helps them get a good “horseshoe” finish! Now that is my kind of humor.
All that running, marching and charging into battle. What amazing strength and resilience they have, the soldiers and their mounts. But remember what I said earlier - about caring for and training them properly. Some military officers are really quite brutal with the animals in their charge, which doesn't go down well with me. The way they are sometimes treated … horrifying to me. That’s one reason why I'm happy I'm not involved in battle and with military horses!
Horses in the Sporting Arena:
Horse racing is something to behold, with racing enthusiasts throughout the United Kingdom and the world flocking to tracks like Epsom Downs and Newmarket. There, some of the fastest horses in the world compete. Those glorious Thoroughbreds – you would see the sheer speed of the racers, their manes and tails streaming like black silk. A fantastic sight, isn’t it?
Hunting: Ah, hunting – where horses are used to bring down game. What is that game? Well, it’s foxes and deer, and we even go for birds, I've heard! You may find my friends and I pulling carriages filled with well-dressed gentry or assisting in the hunt with some agility. Many say the hunting season provides fun and excitement for all who participate.
Breeding and Bloodlines:
And that, readers, is how we see the “evolution” happening, the way that breeding is selected to produce desirable horses: horses that run faster, jump higher, and work better.
And there are the studs – horse farms where a horse like me might not have my own offspring, but that important task falls to other horses of good lineage.
You will be amazed to know how important thoroughbreds and their bloodlines are! Their speed, power and grace … they will always be desired. But, what about us Draughts? The working class horses who do the tough farm work?
We are strong and reliable, and will always be needed by the farmers, although our number will decrease somewhat now with the development of the railway network.
I often talk with a neighbouring chestnut mare, Clara. She works for the blacksmith and she reminds me that every generation brings a change and that is okay - horses must be open to adapting. We are all horses – just of different strengths, shapes, colours and breeds.
But that, readers, is another blog post for another day!
This year 1801 feels like a new chapter for my kind. We are still working hard for mankind, and I am happy for the great contribution we are making in a wide range of industries and in the lives of people from every social class.
That's all for now. But do come back and join me next week.
Until then,
Emma.
