Neigh-sayers beware, the world is brimming with stories from the equine perspective! My name is Emma, a young grey mare with a gleaming coat and white mane and tail that shines like the finest moonlight. I'm two decades young, a robust draught horse with plenty of pep in my step and a keen eye for adventure.
Today I'm kicking off my very own blog - a chronicle of equine life, from my perspective in this extraordinary year of 1818.
Let's travel back in time. Imagine rolling, verdant hills stretching as far as the eye can see. Think fragrant meadows buzzing with life and fields of barley that wave in the gentle breeze. This is Hayfield near Aberdeen in Scotland, my home and my inspiration for these stories.
The Changing Landscape of Hayfield
Since I was a foal, life has been full of routine. We farm horses spend our days diligently pulling the plough through the earth, or carrying heavy loads in the bustling markets of Aberdeen. It's honest, tiring work, but fulfilling in a quiet kind of way.
1818 has been a particularly busy year here in Hayfield. With whispers of political upheaval and whispers of change, life for the horses has taken a subtle yet significant turn. Gone are the days of our masters riding solely on horseback, replaced by a new breed of metal beast - the iron horse with wheels! The "steam engine," they call it, and while I still prefer the comforting sway of a carriage ride, even my master, a sturdy man with calloused hands and a kindly heart, has begun to dabble in its ways.
Just yesterday, I helped transport barley to the port in Aberdeen, sharing the route with a noisy, hissing beast. A group of other horses gathered to watch with me, our noses twitching in curiosity. I have to admit, I'm intrigued by this new technology. While I'm happy with my routine, I can't help but feel a hint of apprehension at the ever-shifting world around us.
Racing Through the World of Horse Racing
Now, I don't know about you, but the most thrilling news of the year concerns the races. While farm work is essential, and pulling carriages a necessary part of life, racing, oh, that is pure exhilaration!
There's something about the pulse-pounding anticipation of a race, the sheer strength and speed displayed on the track, and the thunder of hooves against the ground that truly sets a horse's soul aflame.
They say this year was the one that saw the creation of the " Jockey Club Rules". They talk of rules to regulate the sport, making it fair, consistent, and thrilling. As if horses needed more encouragement to run! It is exciting, indeed. While my job involves pulling carts, I would be lying if I didn't harbour a deep longing to run freely across the countryside, to feel the wind whip through my mane as I speed across a wide expanse. One day, maybe, if the fates are kind, my destiny will take a detour to the racetrack...
Breeding and Breeding New Possibilities
But let us return to our steady routine. For farm horses like myself, there is much joy in the quiet satisfaction of everyday work. The breeding season, for instance, is an absolute delight! I witnessed a beautiful brown mare from a neighboring farm give birth to a foal, a sweet, fluffy little creature with legs that wobbled beneath him. Seeing those wide eyes open and the first hesitant steps on shaky limbs brought a deep joy to my heart.
I watched with envy as the mother, a kind-faced mare, lavished affection on her newborn, the sound of their snorts echoing through the fields. These moments, the raw beauty of new life, are some of my favourite, the purest essence of horse life.
The World of Horses in Literature
This year has been exceptional, and it seems the human world is mirroring the changes we experience. They too are embracing a new, wider world of horses.
Did you know that the very clever lady, Jane Austen, wrote about horses? "Persuasion", a tale of romance and the quiet trials of a noble woman, mentions the joys of horseback riding in England. Horses, it seems, are not only strong, but hold a certain allure, a symbol of freedom and beauty even amongst humans.
My Thoughts on the Future
I believe 1818 was a significant year in the history of the horse. New technologies and evolving ways of life present challenges, and with change come uncertainties, yet, even with a new metal horse, the love for real horses, for the enduring spirit, the beauty of motion, the bond between animal and human will not diminish.
What does the future hold? I’ll continue sharing my experiences with you all - the daily routine of farm life, the changing world around us, the highs and lows of a horse’s life. Stay tuned, dear readers, for a peek into the world as only a grey mare can see it. And as the sun dips low on Hayfield, setting the fields alight with a soft golden hue, I look forward to many more exciting adventures to share with you all!
Until next time, may your hooves always carry you to brighter pastures.
Emma, Hayfield, Scotland. 1818.
Note: This is the beginning of Emma's story. I've tried to create a welcoming, positive, and fun tone. Feel free to add more stories and experiences as you continue this series!
