By Emma, Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, Scotland
Good afternoon, fellow equines! Well, here we are in the year 1813! Let me tell you, 1812 was a right royal scorcher, I tell you, and what a time to be a draught horse! I’ve always said a bit of extra grass helps us do our best. Anyway, onwards and upwards, that's the motto of us Clydesdale mares! It’s a tough old world out there but I love what I do. My trusty groom, John, says I am 'A credit to the Clydesdales, all grey and fluffy as a dandelion seed'. Bless him, he’s not a bad sort!
Speaking of the Clydesdale, I read an interesting article the other day about the "gentle giants" – and I'd like to have a chat about them. Now, everyone knows Clydesdales are famed for their strength. Why, we can pull a wagon full of coal and still look as though we are out for a morning stroll! They call us ‘Draughts’ for a reason you know, pulling all day long! They say the biggest draught horses were originally found here in Scotland - those were the days! These days I'm just a 'mare of all work'!
Anyway, my point is, I think those Scottish draught horses made quite a stir all across the land. I even heard tales of them appearing on farms in Australia – a far-off land I haven't even set foot in. I guess these fellows, as strong and magnificent as they are, helped carry more than just coal. Perhaps they carried hopes and dreams as well?
Right, now for some news from the wider horse world. You see, there’s a little something in the air – a change, perhaps, as the world finds its feet. There was a great commotion this past year! A war across Europe. And the news reached the Hayfield area too! Now, don’t worry, folks! Our wee bit of Scotland has stayed quiet – a peaceful little corner where all is well, so relax. A real boon, wouldn’t you say, to a draught horse’s busy life! But in the war’s midst, well, the army needed horses too! A lot of horses – can you imagine that? Not our work. That was for a different breed, a smaller horse perhaps. I'd love to learn more about those war horses and what it must be like to be called on to travel in the great battlefields - quite a different life. John told me the Army horses came from various regions, and of course there were those legendary Arabs who they said were just amazing in speed and agility. Some brave, bold fellows they must be, too! It is a great responsibility, as it is here in Hayfield to serve and do our bit, wherever in the world it may be.
And to the horses of the battlefield - may they come home safely. For now, here in Hayfield, we just need to pull our weight! That’s what the farmers tell us. They tell us to work hard, not just to keep the farm ticking, but also to pull all the goods needed for the folks at war! The poor things are needing the help. As one of the Clydesdales I'm pretty darned used to working long and hard and it’s a fact we’ve been working like troopers! The other horses in Hayfield are good workers too and I'm proud to call us a team - every day is different! This year was full of new routines as everyone adapted to pulling and carting supplies to be shipped by boat, for the troops in battle.
Right, now here’s a tidbit about racing. You know, I’ve heard many an intriguing tale about racing these past few months – you know, galloping those sleek, graceful creatures around those tracks! They’ve held a famous event at a course called Newmarket this year! John says, there’s nothing as thrilling as watching horses sprint across the racecourse with the cheers of the crowd ringing in their ears. The very best jockeys from the region compete there too! There’s even a talk of creating racing tracks near London - wouldn’t that be something, the very hub of the racing world! A long way from my little hayfield haven.
It does sound fun – all that speed! I, personally, wouldn't trade it for all the oats in Scotland! For a draught mare, being strong and sturdy is all that matters. They say these horses on the racetracks come in a variety of sizes and coats. Can you believe that? Some have a bit more fire in their belly – as they call it – they are all 'hot-blooded'! Can you imagine pulling a cart and all that racing about? Not for me, thanks! But maybe if I was a different sort of horse - that kind with speed in their soul!
I bet those racing steeds were making headlines in all the news journals. This was certainly a year full of news. One particularly memorable one involved our royal family, a most important story! A Prince of the realm married a Princess - you’d not believe all the fuss they created! They had horses pulling their carriages too – right royal affairs – but not for this humble Clydesdale, though I've always enjoyed watching them pass by with their finery.
It’s a wonder how all these horses make it out into the world to see all the excitement, whether at Newmarket races or a royal wedding in London! That’s not our thing, us workhorses, though we see a lot of the countryside and people. As far as our hayfield is concerned, all this excitement in the papers is far away. But what a wonder it is!
And now to those carriage horses! They say some folks in London – that huge city that all my cousins travel to– are spending huge amounts to get these ‘elegant steeds' – what an expression! All decked out with leatherwork! Of course, they’d have beautiful harnesses and they pull all those fine carriages to and fro. Fancy living a life of leisure in the grand carriages! I am sure they enjoy that – but what a life, though I bet it’s full of rules!
It seems horses are busier than ever in this year of 1813 – on farms, on racetracks, and on grand thoroughfares in the big city! For my part, we stay grounded here in Scotland with all this work. A lot has happened, a lot has been said. Yet what I’ve seen is – every single one of these horses in this big world – each has a purpose. Whether they are carrying people or pulling supplies or galloping across racetracks.
As the nights draw in and the first crisp autumn winds blow, there’s an unmistakable air of quiet anticipation, much like our Highland cattle! It’s all too soon, this beautiful weather and I’ll soon have a thick coat, the hay's ready for winter and I am glad. I bet many horses feel that sense too - even the speedy racehorses that I only dream about. And this year 1813 will go down in the books of horse history! I am so proud to have a small role in it! I've said my piece - you know I just can’t help a chat! Do tell me - what are you busy with? What does this year of 1813 mean for you? I’d love to hear!
