History of Horses in the year 1802

A Grey Mare's Perspective on a Year of Progress

Good day, fellow equines! It’s Emma here, a young draught mare from the lovely Hayfield, just outside Aberdeen. I’m about to turn twenty, which in my line, means I’m well and truly a young adult, and life is full of promise. Now, I might be just a humble draught horse, but let me tell you, even we humble folk have quite the exciting world around us! I wanted to share some of the interesting things I’ve learned about 1802 – it was a year brimming with change and progress for the horse world, at least here in bonnie Scotland.

I have a bit of a fondness for history, especially about horses, naturally! My master, a kind and knowledgeable blacksmith, loves to recount tales of the horses of old. And I must admit, things seem so very different to now. So I thought I'd share with you all the wonderful discoveries I've made through a wee bit of digging and pondering this year, 1802!

We’re right here in Hayfield, where the air smells of heather and wild gorse, and the rolling hills of the Cairngorms are never far away. A farm is my world – fields to work, fields to graze. 1802 started out as a usual year. Winter’s icy grip still hung in the air, but the scent of spring was just around the corner. The other farm horses and I eagerly anticipated the first blades of fresh grass, a sweet reminder of warmer days ahead.

Now, let’s get back to the real news – 1802 was quite a busy year, especially when it came to horse-related things. First off, a brand-new, sleek invention arrived at Hayfield. You’d think it came straight out of a fairytale, a Horse-Powered Threshing Machine! This contraption with all its wooden cogs and spinning parts could separate the grain from the wheat stalks faster than any ten men, and without any sweat on their part! My master, he was so thrilled. He kept boasting to anyone who'd listen, saying it would revolutionize farm work! And, it truly has, at least here in Scotland. It seems it's starting to be seen in other parts of Britain too, like some places called, what is it… Hampshire and Leicestershire. I hear it's gaining popularity everywhere.

I’m not entirely certain if this “progress” is entirely welcome, though. It means fewer of us horses have to pull carts and trudge the fields doing all the heavy work. But it does leave more time for things we love, like a good, leisurely stroll along the fields in the afternoon sun. And those evenings of enjoying a well-deserved hay bale by the stables – bliss!

Now, beyond the confines of Hayfield, word has reached us that things are stirring in the world of horses, all across Britain. Our master is a man who subscribes to a newspaper - “The Sporting Magazine,” you see. He says this is where all the latest news about horses is found, and it truly is a fascinating source of information! And here’s what I've learnt this year:

Horses of the Races: Racing fever seems to have truly caught on this year! Imagine this - a Royal Plate race held at Newmarket! Apparently, the very Queen, King George's lovely wife, Charlotte, took her horse to race! It's all anyone can talk about! The excitement of the races reaches even here to us at Hayfield! Apparently, people go wild over the excitement and spectacle of it all. They come from all across Britain, their eyes sparkling with a yearning to witness the majestic power and beauty of these racehorses. Imagine that! But while I admire their speed and stamina, I have to admit I prefer a steady, graceful gait for myself.

Beyond the Racecourses: There is a lot of talk about breeding better, stronger, faster horses. Even my master said some of the fancy racers from England, these "Thoroughbreds", are actually starting to make their way to Scotland! These animals are said to have strong constitutions and fine coats, traits passed on from the very best of steeds from their distant Middle Eastern ancestry.

But More than Just Racing: It seems this year the whole country was abuzz with stories about a breed of horses not as famous for their speed as their power - the Clydesdales. My master says these horses are giants, tall and with shaggy, flowing manes. Their black coat with the white markings on their faces and feet makes them almost impossible to miss! These beasts pull heavy loads, something us draught horses have a bit more experience with!

Not All for Work: One particularly heartwarming piece in The Sporting Magazine spoke about "the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" being founded in London. I hope you all can guess what it is - an organization fighting for us horses, for better treatment. There's still work to do, I’m sure of that, but knowing people are finally starting to think about the welfare of horses makes me feel quite hopeful.

1802 has been an interesting year. I’ve learned that the world of horses is a tapestry woven with excitement, hard work, and change, some welcomed more than others. But one thing's for certain – I adore my life here at Hayfield. I get to spend time in the fresh air, enjoying the company of my fellow horses, and working alongside my master. The future may bring its uncertainties, but the simple pleasures of my everyday life – the sunshine warming my coat, the fresh scent of cut hay – make me a very happy, contented horse.

Until next time, keep your hooves high and your hearts strong, fellow equines. And always remember, we’re all in this grand journey together.

Emma, The Grey Mare From Hayfield.