By Emma, Grey Draught Mare, Hayfield, Aberdeen, Scotland
Good day to all my equine friends, readers, and followers of EquiWorld! It's me, Emma, your faithful grey draught mare, coming to you from the picturesque meadows of Hayfield near Aberdeen. I've had such an exciting year, and I thought it was time to share it all with you! This post will be all about 1814 – a year full of new adventures, familiar routines, and exciting developments in the world of horses, even in my little corner of the world.
Firstly, let's paint the scene! The year dawned bright and crisp, with a blanket of frost covering the fields. The air was still, filled with the sounds of chirping birds and the gentle clink of hooves on frozen earth. A fresh smell of spring, a mixture of damp earth and blooming hedgerows, filled my nostrils. My hooves tapped eagerly on the ground; I couldn't wait to feel the warm earth under my hooves!
You see, we've been preparing for the spring ploughing and the sowing of barley and oats. We had to be strong and steady for this tough work. But it wasn't all toil! I even enjoyed our playful chases through the field with the other mares.
Work, Work, Work, and Play!
1814 wasn't all work and no play for us horses, though it did have its fair share of responsibilities! We were the backbone of life in the rural villages, hauling goods to market and transporting supplies to farms. Our strength, stamina, and unwavering resilience are needed to help people make their livelihoods.
Just yesterday, I proudly pulled a heavy cart full of vegetables to the nearby town of Stonehaven, a charming little market town known for its fish and fresh produce. It always felt good to know I played a role in the flow of things - to contribute to people's everyday life and needs. I even caught sight of another draught mare from nearby Dunnottar, pulling a load of kelp to the shore! We gave each other a knowing nod, proud of our collective contribution.
The market at Stonehaven was bustling with energy and lively chatter! I remember seeing an old blacksmith's stall; he had the strongest horses I'd ever seen, gleaming in the sun with their muscular build. He must have been an expert at keeping them well-fed and exercised. It made me wonder, "What was it like to be a horse used for heavy work like that?" But I knew, at that moment, I was perfectly content in my own little world, hauling crops and lending a hand (hoof?) to those who needed it.
The Gentleman's Choice:
Oh, how I enjoyed the early morning mist settling over the fields, it felt as magical as the evening moon shining brightly over the vast meadows. But when it came to afternoon activities, I was excited about something else - I was being trained to carry a side saddle! The gentle lady who looked after me said that it was quite fashionable amongst the upper class to ride on these saddle styles. I felt a tinge of excitement as I imagined a dashing gentleman sitting on my back, going for leisurely rides on the cobblestone roads of nearby villages. Now, who wouldn’t be a bit thrilled at the thought of that? I knew I wasn’t exactly what you’d call "fine-boned", with my broad frame, I was best suited for carting or farm work, but who knows? Maybe one day I could be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of life as a riding horse!
It is said that even Queen Victoria loved a ride in her private stable and spent much of her free time training her horses, making sure they were always healthy and active! Even some women from the higher classes found their way into horse training. In the heart of London, in the prestigious areas like Grosvenor Square or Mayfair, riding schools began to emerge where fashionable women would take their horses for lessons!
This passion for riding is slowly but surely gaining traction and popularity, I was told. We even have special shows for horses! People bring their horses to demonstrate how gracefully they can move, how well-trained they are, and how quickly they can learn new tasks! What a joy to watch them. Some of them are thoroughbreds – these are magnificent creatures, they have such long, slender legs and beautiful long necks. They're nimble, strong, and quick.
My heart does flutter a bit when I think of how these majestic thoroughbreds glide gracefully, their muscles rippling underneath their sleek coats as they charge forward. It makes me wish that my strong muscles could run freely like theirs.
Onwards to a World of Opportunity!
However, 1814 holds more surprises than just horse racing! The whole world is in an exciting whirlwind of innovation and changes in this time.
The Scottish people are working together, finding better ways to farm, using steam engines and building new roads. This creates more jobs for humans, and even better opportunities for us, the horses. Imagine that – the more efficient our humans are, the better it is for us too. It makes me think about all the amazing things we horses will achieve in the years to come!
And it’s not just Scotland. All around the globe, people are finding new uses for horses. In America, a grand journey is underway. You see, there’s this magnificent horse called ‘Black Beauty’ – he has a real flair for travelling and finding new adventures! Black Beauty has travelled the world – from England to Canada, the Caribbean, the South of France, and now to America! And just imagine, we might get to see some new inventions in these lands. A "horsecar," you call it? That’s a coach pulled by horses along rails, transporting humans quickly across a town. What an exciting time to be a horse, wouldn't you say? It seems we have much to look forward to!
I must tell you about a special friend of mine – his name is Henry. Henry is a strong and reliable Shire horse, almost as big as I am, but black as night, and he has an astonishingly sweet temperament! He arrived at the Hayfield farm just this year and his enthusiasm about learning new tricks has got me quite interested. I hear that he is going to help out in building projects in nearby towns. Isn't it wonderful to think that horses are needed to build new things? We're truly making a difference to society.
You know, every year I am reminded how fortunate I am to be a horse. I love being a part of life, especially at Hayfield! And while we’ve got the latest in horses and carts for fast transportation, there's just something so satisfying about feeling the soft wind in my mane, as I haul a carriage with gentle, even steps. It’s what we do best!
Now, let me leave you with this thought - the world is changing, we are constantly innovating, and yet, I am eternally grateful to be a horse in this ever-changing world. We might be getting used for new things, but there is one thing that remains true - horses have a timeless magic in them that never goes out of style. We bring joy, a helping hand, and love to humans and other animals, no matter what is happening around us.
Until next time, keep those hooves strong and spirits high!
Emma, Your Grey Draught Mare. Hayfield, Aberdeen, Scotland
